Regioisomerically pure oxochlorins and methods of synthesis

ABSTRACT

A method of making an oxochlorin comprises the steps of oxidizing a chlorin to produce a mixture of hydroxychlorin and oxochlorin, and then oxidizing the hydroxychlorin in said mixture, preferably with DDQ, to produce a mixture consisting essentially of oxochlorin. The step of oxidizing a chlorin is carried out by exposing the chlorin to alumina, typically in the presence of an oxidizing agent such as air or alumina. The oxidizing steps may be carried out in an organic solvent such as toluene. The chlorin is preferably a C-methylated chlorin, and is preferably metalated.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation in part of commonly owned, copending application Ser. No. 09/852,560, filed May 10, 2001, which is a continuation in part of commonly owned, copending application Ser. No. 09/670,463, filed Sep. 26, 2000, which is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 09/621797, filed Jul. 21, 2000, the disclosures of all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention concerns oxochlorin compounds, methods of making the same, and polymers, light harvesting arrays, and solar cells formed therefrom.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The synthesis of light-harvesting rods can be achieved through use of porphyrinic building blocks. A major goal in the development of porphyrin or chlorin building blocks for application in light-harvesting systems is to fine-tune their photophysical and electrochemical properties. Tuning has been achieved with porphyrins by incorporating various substituents at the meso as well as β-positions, introduction of different core metals, etc. (Li, F. et al., J. Mater. Chem. 1997, 7, 1245-1262; Yang, S. I. et al., J. Porphyrins Phthalocyanines 1999, 3, 117-147; Yang, S. I. et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1999, 121, 4008-4018). Chlorins have two considerable advantages for light-harvesting applications in comparison with porphyrins: (1) the extinction coefficient of the long-wavelength absorption band is greater than that of porphyrins (Chang, C. K. et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 1981, 78, 2652-2656; Stolzenberg, A. M. et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1981, 103, 4763-4778), and (2) chlorins are linear oscillators whereas metalloporphyrins are planar oscillators. These differences make chlorins superior to porphyrins for use in photosynthetic systems. Chlorin building blocks are quite attractive for applications in light-harvesting systems. The important photochemical properties of chlorins have motivated the development of a number of new syntheses of these green pigments in the past few years (Taniguchi, M. et al., J. Org. Chem. 2001, 66, 7342-7354; Jacobi, P. A. et al., Org. Lett. 2001, 3, 831-834; Montforts, F.-P. et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2000, 39, 599-601; Shea, K. M. et al., Tetrahedron. 2000, 56, 3139-3144; Burns, D. H. et al., Chem. Commun. 2000, 299-300; Strachan, J.-P. et al., J. Org. Chem. 2000, 65, 3160-3172; Balasubramanian, T. et al., J. Org. Chem. 2000, 65, 7919-7929; Krattinger, B. et al., J. Org. Chem. 1999, 1857-1867; Johnson, C. K. et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 1998, 39, 4619-4622; Mironov, A. F. et al., J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans. 1 1998, 3601-3608).

[0004] Chlorin dyads are of particular interest as benchmarks for assessing the extent of electronic communication and the rates and efficiency of energy transfer between chlorins. Nevertheless, relatively little attention had been paid to the synthesis and comparative studies of covalently linked chlorin dyads, because chlorins have limited stability and the synthesis of chlorin building blocks has been quite challenging. A number of chlorin dyads with various linkages and configurations have been prepared. These chlorin dyads are categorized in the following groups: (1) chlorins with electron acceptors for electron-transfer studies (Tkachenko, N. V. et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1999, 121, 9378-9387; Malinen, P. K. et al., Liebigs Ann. 1997, 1801-1804; Abel, Y. et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 1997, 38, 1745-1748; Zheng, G. et al., Chem. Commun. 1999, 2469-2470; Lindsey, J. S. et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1988, 110, 3610-3621), (2) chlorins possessing fused aromatic rings (Kozyrev, A. N. et al., Tetrahedron 2000, 56, 3353-3364; Silva, A. M. G. et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 2000, 41, 3065-3068; Johnson, C. K. et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 1998, 39, 4753-4756; Krattinger, B. et al., Chem. Commun. 1998, 757-756), (3) chlorin-porphyrin dyads for energy-transfer studies (Faustino, M. A. et al., Photochem. Photobiol. 2000, 72, 217-225; Zheng, G. et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 1997, 38, 2409-2412; Wasielewski, M. R. et al., Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells 1995, 38, 127-134; Johnson, D. G. et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1993, 115, 5692-5701; Zenkevich, E. I. et al., J. Luminescence 1997, 75, 229-244), (4) chlorins with accessory pigments (Kutzki, 0. et al., Helv. Chim. Acta, 2000, 83, 2231-2245; Wedel, M. et al., J. Org. Chem. 2001, 1681-1687; Vicente, M. G. H. et al., Chem. Commun. 1998, 2355-2356), (5) chlorin-chlorin dimers (Arnold, D. P. et al., Tetrahedron 2001, 57, 1335-1345; Zheng, G. et al., J. Org. Chem. 2000, 65, 543-557; Osuka, A. et al., Heterocycles 1997, 44, 165-168; Jaquinod, L. et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 1996, 35, 1013-1016), (6) oxochlorin-containing dyads (Kessel, D. et al., Photochem. Photobiol. 1991, 53, 475-479; Osuka, A. et al., Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn. 1995, 68, 262-276; Osuka, A. et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1996, J18, 155-168).

[0005] The conversion of chlorins to oxochlorins has little effect on the spectral properties but renders the macrocycle more resistant to oxidation (Chang, C. K. et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1986, 108, 1352-1354; Stolzenberg, A. M. et al., Inorg. Chem. 1986, 25, 983-991; Zaleski, J. M. et al., J. Phys. Chem. 1993, 97, 13206-13215; Osuka, A. et al., Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn. 1993, 66, 3837-3839). The general approach for forming an oxochlorin employs treatment of a β-substituted porphyrin with a suitable oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide followed by acid-catalyzed pinacol rearrangement of the resulting diol (Inhoffen, von H. et al., Liebigs Ann. Chem. 1969, 725, 167-176; Bonnet, R. et al., J. Chem. Soc. (C) 1969, 564-570; Chang, C. K. Biochemistry 1980, 19, 1971-1976; Chang, C. K. et al., J. Org. Chem. 1986, 51, 2134-2137) or OS04 (Chang, C. K. et al., J. Org Chem. 1985, 50, 4989-4991; Chang, C. K. et al., Heterocyclic Chem. 1985, 22, 1739-1741; Chang, C. K. et al., J. Biol. Chem. 1986, 261, 8593-8596; Bruickner, C. et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 1995, 36, 3295-3298; Bruickner, C. et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 1995, 36, 9425-9428; Pandey, R. K. et al., J. Org. Chem. 1997, 62, 1463-1472). This procedure works well with those porphyrins that give rise to only one oxochlorin isomer. Although this method takes advantage of porphyrins as readily available starting materials, multiple oxochlorin isomers are obtained from porphyrins that possess any of the following structural features: (1) at least one of the four pyrrole rings bears substituents that are different from the others, in which case multiple products are formed due to the reaction of OSO₄ at different sites; (2) different substituents (e.g., methyl/ethyl) are present at the two β-positions of the pyrrole ring that is attacked by O_(S)O₄, in which case pinacol rearrangement gives multiple products; and (3) the presence of meso-substituents that cause the symmetry of the porphyrin to be less than four-fold, in which case pinacol rearrangement of the diol gives multiple products. Oxochlorins of the latter type have been incorporated in a few multi-pigment arrays for studies of energy and electron transfer (Osuka, A. et al., Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn. 1995, 68, 262-276; Osuka, A. et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1996, 118, 155-168).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A method of making an oxochlorin comprises the steps of oxidizing a chlorin to produce a mixture of hydroxychlorin and oxochlorin, and then oxidizing the hydroxychlorin in said mixture, preferably with DDQ, to produce a mixture consisting essentially of oxochlorin. The step of oxidizing a chlorin is carried out by exposing the chlorin to alumina, typically in the presence of an oxidizing agent such as air or alumina. The oxidizing steps may be carried out in an organic solvent such as toluene. The chlorin is preferably a C-methylated chiorin, and is preferably metalated.

[0007] Also disclosed herein are novel oxochlorin compounds, wherein the oxochlorin compounds are 5,15 trans-substituted or 10,20 trans-substituted with linking groups.

[0008] The foregoing and other objects and aspects of the present invention are explained in detail in the specification set forth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 illustrates the absorption spectra of chlorin Zn-1a and oxochlorin Oxo-Zn-1a in toluene at room temperature.

[0010]FIG. 2 shows the highest occupied molecular orbital of a chlorin (a₂ orbital). Note the very large electron density at the site adjacent to the methylene unit in the reduced ring.

[0011]FIG. 3 illustrates the absorption spectra of the chlorin-chlorin dyad ZnFb-dyad and component parts in toluene at room temperature. The spectra of the Zn and Fb components have been normalized with that of the ZnFb-dyad at the respective long-wavelength Q bands.

[0012]FIG. 4 illustrates the absorption spectra of the oxochlorin-oxochlorin dyad ZnFb-Oxo-dyad and component parts in toluene at room temperature. The spectra of the Zn and Fb components have been normalized with that of the ZnFb-Oxo-dyad at the respective long-wavelength Q bands.

[0013]FIG. 5 illustrates the absorption spectra of the chlorin-chlorin dimer Zn₂-dyad and chlorin monomer in toluene at room temperature. The spectra have been normalized with that of the Zn₂-dyad at the long-wavelength Q band.

[0014]FIG. 6 illustrates the absorption spectra of the oxochlorin-oxochlorin dimer Zn₂-Oxo-dyad and oxochlorin monomer in toluene at room temperature. The spectra have been normalized with that of the Zn₂-Oxo-dyad at the long-wavelength Q band.

[0015]FIG. 7 illustrates the emission spectra of the chlorin-chlorin dyad ZnFb-dyad and component parts in toluene at room temperature (λ_(ex) in Soret region). The spectra are shown at arbitrary intensities.

[0016]FIG. 8 shows the emission spectra of the oxochlorin-oxochlorin dyad ZnFb-Oxo-dyad and component parts in toluene at room temperature (λ_(ex) in Soret region). The spectra are shown at arbitrary intensities.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used in the description of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0018] “DDQ” as used herein refers to 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone.

[0019] The term “substituent” as used in the formulas herein, particularly designated by S or S^(n) where n is an integer, in a preferred embodiment refer to electron-rich or electron-deficient groups (subunits) that can be used to adjust the redox potential(s) of the subject compound. Preferred substituents include, but are not limited to, H, aryl, phenyl, cycloalkyl, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, alkoxy, alkylthio, perfluoroalkyl, perfluoroaryl, pyridyl, cyano, thiocyanato, nitro, amino, alkylamino, acyl, sulfoxyl, sulfonyl, amido, and carbamoyl. In certain embodiments, a substituted aryl group is attached to a porphyrin or a porphyrinic macrocycle, and the substituents on the aryl group are selected from the group consisting of aryl, phenyl, cycloalkyl, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, alkoxy, alkylthio, perfluoroalkyl, perfluoroaryl, pyridyl, cyano, thiocyanato, nitro, amino, alkylamino, acyl, sulfoxyl, sulfonyl, amido, and carbamoyl. Additional substituents include, but are not limited to, 4-chlorophenyl, 4-trifluoromethylphenyl, and 4-methoxyphenyl. Preferred substituents provide a redox potential range of less than about 5 volts, preferably less than about 2 volts, more preferably less than about 1 volt.

[0020] The term “aryl” refers to a compound whose molecules have the ring structure characteristic of benzene, naphthalene, phenanthrene, anthracene, etc. (i.e., either the 6-carbon ring of benzene or the condensed 6-carbon rings of the other aromatic derivatives). For example, an aryl group may be phenyl (C₆H₅) or naphthyl (C₁₀H₇). It is recognized that the aryl group, while acting as substituent can itself have additional substituents (e.g the substituents provided for sn in the various formulas herein).

[0021] The term “alkyl” refers to a paraffinic hydrocarbon group, typically C1 to C4, which may be derived from an alkane by dropping one hydrogen from the formula. Examples are methyl (CH₃—), ethyl (C₂H₅—), propyl (CH₃CH₂CH₂—), isopropyl ((CH₃)₂CH—).

[0022] The term “alkenyl” refers to a hydrocarbon group, typically C2 to C4, derived from the corresponding alkyl and which contains at least one double bond (e.g., butadienyl).

[0023] The term “alkynyl” refers to a hydrocarbon group, typically C2 to C4, derived from the corresponding alkyl and which contains at least one triple bond (e.g., butadiynyl).

[0024] The term “halogen” refers to one of the electronegative elements of group VIIA of the periodic table (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, astatine).

[0025] The term “perfluoroalkyl” refers to an alkyl group where every hydrogen atom is replaced with a fluorine atom.

[0026] The term “perfluoroaryl” refers to an aryl group where every hydrogen atom is replaced with a fluorine atom.

[0027] The term “pyridyl” refers to an aryl group where one CR unit is replaced with a nitrogen atom.

[0028] The term “sulfoxyl” refers to a group of composition RS(O)— where R is some alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, perfluoroalkyl, or perfluoroaryl group. Examples include, but are not limited to methylsulfoxyl, phenylsulfoxyl, etc.

[0029] The term “sulfonyl” refers to a group of composition RSO₂— where R is some alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, perfluoroalkyl, or perfluoroaryl group. Examples include, but are not limited to methylsulfonyl, phenylsulfonyl, p-toluenesulfonyl, etc.

[0030] The term “carbamoyl” refers to the group of composition R¹(R²)NC(O)— where R¹ and R² are H or some alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, perfluoroalkyl, or perfluoroaryl group. Examples include, but are not limited to N-ethylcarbamoyl, N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl, etc.

[0031] The term “amido” refers to the group of composition R¹CON(R²)— where R¹ and R² are H or some alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, perfluoroalkyl, or perfluoroaryl group. Examples include, but are not limited to acetamido, N-ethylbenzamido, etc.

[0032] The term “acyl” refers to an organic acid group in which the —OH of the carboxyl group is replaced by some other substituent (RCO—). Examples include, but are not limited to acetyl, benzoyl, etc.

[0033] In preferred embodiments, when a metal is designated by “M” or “M^(n)”, where n is an integer, it is recognized that the metal may be associated with a counterion.

[0034] A linker is a molecule used to couple two different molecules, two subunits of a molecule, or a molecule to a substrate. When all are covalently linked, they form units of a single molecule.

[0035] A “chlorin” is essentially the same as a porphyrin, but differs from a porphyrin in having one partially saturated pyrrole ring. The term porphyrin refers to a cyclic structure typically composed of four pyrrole rings together with four nitrogen atoms and two replaceable hydrogens for which various metal atoms can readily be substituted. A typical porphyrin is hemin. Examples of chlorins that may be used to carry out the present invention include but are not limited to those of Formula X:

[0036] wherein:

[0037] M is a metal selected from the group consisting of Zn, Mg, Pt, Pd, Sn and Al, or M is absent;

[0038] K¹, K², K³, and K⁴ are hetero atoms independently selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, Se, Te, and CH;

[0039] S¹, S^(2,3), S⁴, S⁵, S⁶, S⁷, S⁸, S⁹, S¹⁰, S¹¹, S¹², S¹³, and S¹⁴ are independently selected from the group consisting of H, aryl, phenyl, alkyl, cycloalkyl, spiroalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, alkoxy, alkylthio, perfluoroalkyl, perfluoroaryl, pyridyl, cyano, thiocyanato, nitro, amino, alkylamino, acyl, sulfoxyl, sulfonyl, imido, amido, and carbamoyl;

[0040] and optionally either S¹ and S⁵ are trans-substituted linking groups Ql and Q², S² and S⁶ are trans-substituted linking groups Q¹ and Q², S¹⁰ and S¹² are trans-substituted linking groups Q¹ and Q², or S⁹ and S¹¹ are trans-substituted linking groups Q¹ and Q²; and

[0041] Q¹ and Q² are independently selected linking groups of the formula:

R¹—R²_(n)R³—Y

[0042] wherein:

[0043] n is from 0 or 1 to 5 or 10;

[0044] R³ may be present or absent;

[0045] R¹, R², and R³ are each independently selected from the group consisting of ethene, ethyne, aryl, and heteroaryl groups, which aryl and heteroaryl groups may be unsubstituted or substituted one or more times with H, aryl, phenyl, cycloalkyl, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, alkoxy, alkylthio, perfluoroalkyl, perfluoroaryl, pyridyl, cyano, thiocyanato, nitro, amino, alkylamino, acyl, sulfoxyl, sulfonyl, imido, amido, and carbamoyl; and

[0046] Y is a protected or unprotected reactive substituent selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, thio, seleno, telluro, ester, carboxylic acid, boronic acid, phenol, silane, sulfonic acid, phosphonic acid, alkylthiol, formyl, halo, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, dialkyl phosphonate, alkyl sulfonate, alkyl carboxylate, acetylacetone (“acac”) and dialkyl boronate groups.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment neither S⁸ nor S¹⁴ in Formula X above is H.

[0048] In particular embodiments, S¹ and S⁵ are trans-substituted linking groups Q¹ and Q², or S² and S⁶ are trans-substituted linking groups Q¹ and Q².

[0049] In other particular embodiments, S¹⁰ and S¹² are trans-substituted linking groups Q¹ and Q², or S⁹ and S¹¹ are trans-substituted linking groups Q¹ and Q². When present on oxochlorins, such trans substituted chlorins are novel compounds and are a further aspect of the present invention.

[0050] In preferred embodiments of the foregoing, M is present. When present, M is preferably Zn or Mg.

[0051] In certain embodiments, K¹, K², K³, and K⁴ are independently selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, and CH. In particular embodiments, K¹, K², K³, and K⁴ are all N.

[0052] In certain embodiments of the invention, S⁴, S⁷, S⁸, S⁹, S¹⁰, S¹¹, S¹², S¹³, and S¹⁴ in the chlorin of Formula X are all alkyl.

[0053] Conversion of the chlorin to the hydroxychlorin may be carried out in any suitable organic solvent, preferably an aromatic solvent, including but not limited to toluene, benzene, chlorobenzene, xylene, mesitylene, etc. Toluene is currently preferred. In particular reactions attempted CH₂Cl₂ did not work, but more polar chlorins may require a more polar solvent. Potentially, without wishing to be bound to any particular theory for the invention, the solvent should dissolve the chlorin but not be such a strong solvent as to interfere with binding of the chlorin to the alumina. Accordingly, for polar chlorins, solvents such as CH₂Cl₂, acetonitrile, etc. may be satisfactory. The chlorin may be included in any suitable amount, such as 1 mM to 100 mM or more. 20 mM is currently preferred. The reaction may be carried out at any suitable temperature, such as (for example) 0 to 100° C. A temperature of 60° C. is currently preferred.

[0054] Conversion of the hydroxychlorin to the oxochlorin may be carried out in DDQ as noted above. The DDQ may be included in any suitable concentration, such as 0.1 or 0.3 mM to 1 M or more. The hydroxychlorin may be included in any suitable amount, such as 0.1 mM to 0.4 M or more. The reaction may be carried out at any suitable temperature, such as from 0 to 100° C. Room temperature is currently preferred.

[0055] Solvents may be as above, with toluene currently preferred, and with more polar solvents potentially being more desirable for more polar chlorins.

[0056] Oxochlorins of the present invention may be used as building blocks for the production of polymers thereof, with other chlorins, oxochlorins, porphyrinic macrocycles or the like, in accordance with a variety of techniques, including but not limited to:

[0057] Glaser (or Eglinton) coupling of a monomeric pigment building blocks (generating a butadiyne linker)

[0058] Cadiot-Chodkiewicz coupling of two different pigment building blocks (generating a butadiyne linker joining a block copolymer)

[0059] Sonogashira coupling of two different pigment building blocks (generating an ethyne linker joining a block copolymer)

[0060] Heck or Wittig reactions of two different pigment building blocks (generating an alkene linker joining a block copolymer)

[0061] Suzuki coupling of two different pigment building blocks (generating a phenylene or biphenyl linker joining a block copolymer)

[0062] Polymerization of pigment building blocks bearing substituents such as two or more thiophene groups (generating an oligothiophene linker) or two or more pyrrole groups (generating a polypyrrole linker).

[0063] Oxochlorin monomers and oxochlorin-containing polymers of the present invention are useful for the production of light harvesting arrays and solar cells when immobilized on electrodes, and as active agents for photodynamic therapy. Solar cells of the present invention can be used in a variety of different electrical devices. Such devices typically comprise a solar cell as described above, and a circuit (e.g., a resistive load) electrically coupled to said solar cell (e.g., by providing a first electrical coupling of the circuit to one electrode of the solar cell, and a second electrical coupling of the circuit to the other electrode of the solar cell).

[0064] The examples, which follow, are set forth to illustrate the present invention, and are not to be construed as limiting thereof.

EXAMPLE 1 Experimental Methods

[0065] Introduction. A rational synthesis of C-methylated chlorin building blocks (Strachan, J.-P. et al., J. Org. Chem. 2000, 65, 3160-3172; Balasubramanian, T. et al., J. Org. Chem. 2000, 65, 7919-7929; Taniguchi, M. et al., J. Org. Chem. 2001, 66, 7342-7354) has recently been developed. Each chlorin bears one geminal dimethyl group and one methylene group at the β-positions in the reduced ring. For building block applications, we have previously succeeded in introducing synthetic handles at several β-positions (2, 8, 12) and two meso positions (5, 10). One objective is to incorporate chlorins into soluble linear arrays composed of a large number of chlorins. To reach this objective requires access to chlorins with synthetic handles in a trans architecture and solubilizing groups at one or more of the non-linking positions. The 2,12-positions afford a linear architecture but the synthesis of these chlorin building blocks is lengthy, requiring synthesis of β-substituted pyrroles. Substitution at 5,15-positions or 10,20 positions also affords linear arrays and takes advantage of the more expedient synthesis of meso-substituted dipyrromethanes. With use of the 2,12- or 5,15-positions for synthetic handles, the 10-position has heretofore been employed for incorporating solubilizing groups. It was reasoned that incorporation of substituents at the reduced ring could be used to increase the solubility of chlorins and/or achieve further sites for functionalization. To render the chlorins more resistant to oxidation, we sought to convert the methylene unit of the reduced ring to a keto functionality. In this manner, oxidation occurs at a known site and only one isomer is formed regardless of the substitution pattern at the perimeter of the macrocycle.

[0066] Herein is described a new method for converting C-alkylated chlorins to the corresponding oxochlorins. The method has been applied to chlorins bearing a variety of substituents. Several new chlorins and the corresponding oxochlorins have been prepared with novel substituents, including a spiroalkyl unit in place of the geminal dimethyl unit in the reduced ring, a phenyl substituent at the 15-position (adjacent to the oxo moiety in the reduced ring) or at the 20-position (adjacent to the geminal dimethyl unit), and the oxochlorins have been converted to various metalation states (zinc, magnesium, copper, free base). The free base and metallo oxochlorins have been characterized by electrochemistry and static fluorescence spectroscopy. This work provides the foundation for developing oxochlorin building blocks for use in various molecular devices. Furthermore, we describe the synthesis of chlorin-chlorin and oxochlorin-oxochlorin dyads with components in different metalation states. The photophysical and electrochemical characterization of the dyads will furnish fundamental data for consideration of the use of related constructs in larger light-harvesting arrays.

[0067] General. All ¹H NMR spectra (300 or 400 MHz) were obtained in CDCl₃ unless noted otherwise. Basic alumina (60-325 mesh, activity grade I) and neutral alumina (80-200 mesh) were obtained from Fisher Scientific. Activity grade V alumina was prepared from grade I alumina (Li, F. et al., J. Mater. Chem. 1997, 7, 1245-1262).

[0068] Non-commercial compounds. The compounds Zn-1a-e were prepared as described in the literature (Taniguchi, M. et al., J. Org. Chem. 2001, 66, 7342-7354).

[0069] Spectroscopy. All absorption spectra were recorded in toluene at room temperature on a HP-8453 spectrometer. All emission spectra were recorded in toluene at room temperature on a SPEX FluoroMax spectrometer. Fluorescence quantum yields were determined by ratioing to suitable standards such as Zn-1a (Φ_(f)=0.065) or Fb-1a (Φ_(f)=0.29) which in turn related to ZnTPP and Fb-TPP (Strachan, J.-P. et al., J. Org. Chem. 2000, 65, 3160-3172). Excitation was performed at 570 nm, 590 nm, or in the Soret region.

[0070] Zn(II)-17,18-Dihydro-18,18-dimethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-10-mesityl-17-oxoporphyrin (Oxo-Zn-1a). A mixture of Zn-1a (25.0 mg, 41 μmol) and basic alumina (grade I, 1.75 g) in toluene (2 mL) in an amber vial (loosely plugged with cotton) was stirred at room temperature for 36 h. Analysis by TLC (silica, 1:19 mixture of ethyl acetate and CH₂Cl₂) showed three components: a fast moving blue component (R_(f)=0.82; Zn-1a), a medium-fast moving green component (R_(f)=0.38; Oxo-Zn-1a), and a slow moving blue component (R_(f)=0.15; HO-Zn-1a). Solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the alumina was washed (CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH, 19:1) until the washings were colorless. The green solution was concentrated and the residue was chromatographed (silica, CH₂Cl₂), affording Zn-1a (6.0 mg, 24%) as the first fraction and Oxo-Zn-1a (4.0 mg, 16%) as the second fraction. Further elution (CH₂Cl₂/ethyl acetate, 49:1) gave hydroxychlorin HO-Zn-1a (13.0 mg, 52%). A small fraction containing a mixture of HO-Zn-1a and Oxo-Zn-1a was discarded. Similar results were obtained when the reaction was carried out on a 0.2-mmol scale [122 mg of Zn-1a and 8.5 g of basic alumina in 4 mL of toluene gave unchanged Zn-1a (15 mg, 12%), Oxo-Zn-1a (14 mg, 11%) and HO-Zn-1a (73 mg, 58%) after 60 h]. LD-MS for HO-Zn-1a: obsd 625.01, calcd 626.01 (C₃₈H₃₄N₄OZn). Solid DDQ (10.0 mg, 44 μmol) was added to a solution of HO-Zn-1a (10.0 mg, 16 μmol) in toluene (400 μL) in an amber vial. The mixture was stirred for 2 h. Triethylamine (100 μL) was added and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was immediately chromatographed (silica, CH₂C1₂), affording a green solid (9.0 mg, 90%): IR (CH₂Cl₂) 1717 cm⁻¹; ¹H NMR δ 1.82 (s, 6H), 2.03 (s, 6H), 2.59 (s, 3H), 2.67 (s, 3H), 7.22 (s, 2H), 7.50 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.98 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H) 8.46 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 8.54 (d, J=4.2 Hz, 1H) 8.64 (d, J=4.2 Hz, 1H), 8.83 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 1H), 8.89 (m, 3H), 9.55 (s, 1H); LD-MS obsd 622.16, calcd 624.1868 (C₃₈H₃₂N₄OZn); λ_(abs) 423 (log ε=5.32), 563 (3.82), 609 (4.60) nm; λ_(em) 609, 650, 669 nm (Φ_(f)=0.028).

[0071] In a repeat run, a mixture of Zn-1a (5.0 mg, 8 μmol) and basic alumina (350 mg) in toluene (0.5 mL) was heated at 50° C. for 15 h. The alumina was removed by filtration and the filtrate was concentrated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in toluene (0.3 mL). DDQ (4.0 mg, 18 μmol) was added and the mixture was stirred for 45 min. Work-up of the reaction mixture as in the previous case yielded Oxo-Zn-1a (2.7 mg, 54%) as the only isolable product.

[0072] Zn(II)-17,18-Dihydro-18,18-dimethyl-17-oxo-5,10-bis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin (Oxo-Zn-1b). A mixture of chlorin Zn-1b (21.0 mg, 28.5 μmol) and basic alumina (activity I, 1.40 g) in toluene (0.75 mL) in an amber vial (loosely plugged with cotton) was stirred for 120 h. Solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was washed (CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH, 19:1) until the washings were colorless. Solvent was removed and the residue was chromatographed (silica). Elution with hexanes/CH₂Cl₂ (1:4) gave Zn-1b (8.0 mg, 38%); elution with CH₂Cl₂ gave Oxo-Zn-1b (3.0 mg, 14%); elution with CH₂Cl₂/ethyl acetate (49:1) gave hydroxychlorin HO-Zn-1b (7.0 mg, 33%). LD-MS data for HO-Zn-1b: obsd 752.72 calcd 750.05 (C₃₄H₁₆F₁₀N₄OZn). Solid DDQ (4.2 mg, 18 μmol) was added to a solution of HO-Zn-1b (7.0 mg, 9 μmol) in toluene (200 μL) in an amber vial. The mixture was stirred for 45 min. Triethylamine (100 μL) was added and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was immediately chromatographed (silica, CH₂Cl₂) affording a green solid (5.2 mg, 74%): IR (CH₂Cl₂) 1719 cm¹; ¹H NMR δ 1.94 (s, 6H), 8.56 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 8.61 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 8.74 (m, 2H) 9.03 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 9.07 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 9.08 (s, 1H), 9.60 (s, 1H); LD-MS obsd 746.43, calcd 748.0299 (C₃₄H₁₄F₁₀N₄OZn); λ_(abs) 423 (log ε=5.23), 567 (3.80), 613 (4.54) nm; λ_(em) 614, 653, 671 nm (Φ_(f)=0.024).

[0073] In a repeat run, a mixture of Zn-1b (15.0 mg, 20 μmol) and DDQ (28.0 mg, 120 μmol) in toluene (2 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 4 h. Triethylamine (200 μL) was added and stirring was continued for 30 min. The mixture was filtered, solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was worked up in the usual manner to yield 5.0 mg (33%) of Oxo-Zn-1b and 1.0 mg (7%) of HO-Zn-1b.

[0074] Zn(II)-17,18-Dihydro-18,18-dimethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-10-{4-[2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxycarbonyl]phenyl}-17-oxoporphyrin (Oxo-Zn-1c). A mixture of Zn-1c (25.0 mg, 35.0 μmol) and basic alumina activity 1 (1.5 g) in 2 mL toluene was stirred for 4 h at 50° C. After standard workup, the residue was dissolved in 1.5 mL of toluene and 2.5 equiv of DDQ (19.9 mg, 87.5 μmol) was added. Standard workup and chromatography [silica, ethyl acetate/CH₂Cl₂ (1:5)] gave a bluish-purple solid (8.2 mg, 31%): ¹H NMR δ0.17 (s, 9H), 1.22-1.27 (m, 2H), 2.04 (s, 6H), 2.68 (s, 3H), 4.47-4.54 (m, 2H), 7.52 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.97 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 8.15 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 8.30 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 8.54 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.61 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.72 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.86 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.93 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.97 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.98 (s, 1H), 9.56 (s, 1H); LD-MS obsd 727.45; FAB-MS obsd 726.2020, calcd 726.2005 (C₄₁H₃₈N₄O₃SiZn); λ_(abs) 425 (log ε=5.39), 564 (3.96), 610 (4.62) nm; λ_(em) 610, 651, 669 nm (Φ_(f)=0.030).

[0075] 17,18-Dihydro-18,18-dimethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-10-mesityl-17-oxoporphyrin (Oxo-Fb-1a). TFA (40 μL) was added to a solution of Oxo-Zn-1a (6.2 mg, 9.6 μmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (400 μL) and the mixture was stirred for 30 min. The reaction was monitored by absorption spectroscopy. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), concentrated, and chromatographed over silica affording a green solid (5.2 mg, 93%): IR (CH₂Cl₂) 3344 and 1720 cm⁻¹; ¹H NMR δ−2.18 (s, 1H), −2.27 (s, 1H), 1.85 (s, 6H), 2.11 (s, 6H), 2.63 (s, 3H), 2.70 (s, 3H), 7.55 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 8.04 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 8.50 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 2H), 8.58 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 2H), 8.74 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 1H), 8.94 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 1H) 9.08 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 1H), 9.11 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 1H) 9.21 (s, 1H), 9.82 (s, 1H); LD-MS obsd 560.08, calcd 562.2733 (C₃₈H₃₄N₄O); λ_(abs) 414 (log ε=5.24), 512 (4.10), 545 (3.86), 586 (3.74), 643 (4.31) nm; λ_(em) 643, 685, 713 nm (Φ_(f)=0.064).

[0076] 17,18-Dihydro-18,18-dimethyl-17-oxo-5,10-bis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin (Oxo-Fb-1b). TFA (40 μL) was added to a solution of Oxo-Zn-1b (7.5 mg) in CH₂Cl₂ (400 μL) and the mixture was stirred for 2 h. Standard workup and chromatography (silica) gave a green solid: IR (CH₂Cl₂) 3345 and 1725 cm⁻¹; ¹H NMR δ −2.75 (s, 1H), −2.63 (s, 1H), 2.11 (s, 6H), 8.66 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 8.74 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 1H), 8.89 (t, 2H), 9.27 (dd, 1H), 9.31 (dd, 1H), 9.43 (s, 1H), 10.01 (s, 1H); LD-MS obsd 686.26, calcd 686.1164 (C₃₄H₁₆F₁₀N₄O); λ_(abs) 413 (log ε=5.08), 508 (3.99), 541 (3.71), 592 (3.60), 645 (4.30) nm; λ_(em) 645, 686, 715 nm (Φ_(f)=0.067).

[0077] 17,18-Dihydro-18,18-dimethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-10-{4-[2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxycarbonyl]phenyl}-17-oxoporphyrin (Oxo-Fb-1c). To a solution of Oxo-Zn-1c (6.5 mg, 8.9 μmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL) was added a 50-fold excess of TFA. Standard workup and chromatography [silica, hexanes/CH₂Cl₂ (2:1)] gave a purple solid (5.4 mg, 91%): ¹H NMR δ −2.46- −2.42 (br, 1H), −2.31-−2.27 (br, 1H), 0.17 (s, 9H), 1.26-1.32 (m, 2H), 2.11 (s, 6H), 2.70 (s, 3H), 4.59-4.63 (m, 2H), 7.55 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 8.02 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 8.23 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 8.44 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 8.56 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 8.62 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 8.84 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 8.96 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 9.10 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 9.17 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 9.25 (s, 1H), 9.86 (s, 1H); LD-MS obsd 663.06; FAB-MS obsd 665.2961, calcd 665.2948 (C₄₁H₄₀N₄O₃Si) [M+H]⁺; λ_(abs) 416 (log ε=5.28), 513 (4.10), 547 (3.92), 593 (3.79), 643 (4.25) nm; λ_(em) 643, 686, 713 nm (Φ_(f)=0.14).

[0078] Mg(II)-17,18-Dihydro-10-mesityl-18,18-dimethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)porphyrin (Mg-1a). Following a standard procedure, a mixture of Fb-1a (5.0 mg, 9.1 μmol), MgI₂ (25 mg, 89 μmol), and N,N-diisopropylethylamine (31 μl, 178 μmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (500 μL) was stirred for 3 h. The fluorescence excitation spectrum of an aliquot taken at this stage indicated total consumption of Fb-1a. The mixture was treated with 10% aqueous NaHCO₃. The organic layer was separated, dried (Na₂SO₄), and concentrated. The title compound underwent demetalation during work up. A peak corresponding to M⁺ was not visible in the LD-MS spectrum of this sample.

[0079] Mg(II)-17,18-Dihydro-10-mesityl-18,18-dimethyl-5-(methylphenyl)-17-oxoporphyrin (Oxo-Mg-1a). A mixture of Oxo-Fb-1a (5.0 mg, 8.9 μmol), MgI₂ (25 mg, 89 μmol), and N,N-diisopropylethylamine (31 μL, 178 μmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (500 μL) was stirred for 3 h. Standard workup and chromatography [basic alumina, grade V, CH₂CI₂/methanol (199:1)] gave a green solid (2.0 mg, 38%): LD-MS obsd 583.67, calcd 584.2427 (C₃₈H₃₂N₄OMg); λ_(abs) 425 (log ε=5.28), 568 (3.92), 617 (4.54) nm; λ_(em) 617, 659, 672 nm (Φ_(f)=0.056).

[0080] Cu(II)-17,18-Dihydro-10-mesityl-18,18-dimethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)porphyrin (Cu-1a). To a solution of Fb-1a (20 mg, 36 μmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (18 mL) was added a solution of Cu(OAc)₂.H₂O in methanol (160 mg, 800 μmol in 2 mL). The mixture was stirred overnight. Solvent was removed and the residue was suspended in a mixture (1:1) of hexanes and CH₂Cl₂. After sonication, the mixture was filtered. The filtrate was concentrated and chromatographed [silica, CH₂Cl₂/hexanes (2:3)] affording a blue solid (19 mg, 85%): LD-MS obsd 611.82, calcd 609.2176 (C₃₈H₃₄CuN₄); λ_(abs) 408 (log ε=5.21), 501 (3.70), 569 (3.81), 605 (4.43) mm.

[0081] Cu(II)-17,18-Dihydro-18,18-dimethyl-5,10-bis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin (Cu-1b). To a solution of Fb-1b (4.1 mg, 6.1 μmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (2 mL) was added a solution of Cu(OAc)₂.H₂O in methanol (100 mg, 500 μmol in 0.5 mL). The mixture was stirred for 36 h. Standard workup and chromatography [silica, CH₂Cl₂/hexanes (2:3)] gave a blue solid (3.8 mg, 87%): LD-MS obsd 733.07, calcd 733.061 1(C₃₄H₁₆CuF₁₀N₄); λ_(abs) 410 (log ε=5.23), 505 (3.60), 568 (3.78), 611 (4.54) nm.

[0082] Cu(II)-17,18-Dihydro-10-mesityl-18,18-dimethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-17-oxoporphyrin (Oxo-Cu-1a). To a solution of Oxo-Fb-1a (3.4 mg, 6.1 μmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (2.5 mL) was added a solution of Cu(OAc)₂.H₂O in methanol (120 mg, 600 μmol in 0.5 mL). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 36 h followed by warming at 35° C. for 6 h. Standard workup and chromatography (silica, CH₂Cl₂) gave a blue solid (3.1 mg, 82%): LD-MS obsd 623.00, calcd 623.1972 (C₃₈H₃₂CuN₄O); λ_(abs) 419 (log ε=5.24), 605 (4.43) nm.

[0083] Cu (II)-17,18-Dihydro-18,18-dimethyl-17-oxo-5,10-bis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin (Oxo-Cu-1b). To a solution of Oxo-Fb-1b (2.9 mg, 4.2 μmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (2.5 mL) was added a solution of Cu(OAc)₂.H₂O in methanol (100 mg, 500 μmol in 0.5 mL). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 48 h followed by warming at 35° C. for 6 h. Standard workup and chromatography (silica, CH₂Cl₂) gave a blue solid (2.3 mg, 73%): LD-MS obsd 745.66, calcd 747.0404 (C₃₄H₁₄CuN₄O); λ_(abs) 418 (log ε=5.27), 610 (4.51) nm.

[0084] 17,18-Dihydro-18,18-dimethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-10-{4-[2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxycarbonyl]phenyl}porphyrin (Fb-1c). A solution of Zn-1c (16.0 mg, 22.4 μmol) in 5 mL of CH₂Cl₂ was added a 50-fold excess of TFA. The demetalation was complete in 1 h as confirmed by UV-Vis and TLC analyses. Standard workup and chromatography [silica, hexanes/CH₂Cl₂ (1:1)] gave a reddish purple solid (10.8 mg, 74%): ¹H δ −1.94-−1.87 (br, 2H), 0.17 (s, 9H), 1.25-1.32 (m, 2H), 2.06 (s, 6H), 2.67 (s, 3H), 4.53-4.64 (m, 2H), 4.62 (s, 2H), 7.51 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 8.00 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 8.20 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 8.38 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 8.40 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.51 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.70 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 8.78-8.82 (m, 2H), 8.84 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 8.88 (s, 1H), 8.97 (s, 1H); LD-MS obsd 649.96; FAB-MS obsd 651.3171, calcd 651.3155 (C₄₁H₄₂N₄O₂Si) [M+H]⁺; λ_(abs) 415 (log ε=5.58), 509 (4.54), 589 (3.09), 640 (4.97) nmn; λ_(em) 641, 683, 707 nm (Φ_(f)=0.28).

[0085] 5-(3,5-Di-tert-butylphenyl)-10-[4-[2-ethynyl]phenyl]-7,18-dihydro-18,18-dimethylporphyrin (Fb-1d). A solution of Zn-1d (22.0 mg, 31.8 μmol) in 10 mL of CH₂Cl₂ was added a 50-fold excess of TFA. Standard workup and chromatography [silica, hexanes/CH₂Cl₂ (2:1)] gave a reddish purple solid (12.5 mg, 62%): ¹H NMR δ −1.88-−1.84 (br, 2H), 1.50 (s, 18H), 2.06 (s, 6H), 3.29 (s, 1H), 4.62 (s, 2H), 7.75 (t, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.97 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 2H), 8.09 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 8.44 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.53 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.72 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 8.80 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 8.81-8.85 (m, 2H), 8.87 (s, 1H), 8.96 (s, 1H); LD-MS obsd 627.09; FAB-MS obsd 628.3550, calcd 628.3566 (C₄₄H₄₄N₄); λ_(abs) 416 (log ε=5.16), 510 (4.13), 590 (3.67), 641 (4.54) nm; λ_(em) 641, 683, 707 nm (Φ_(f)=0.29).

[0086] 5-(3,5-Di-tert-butylphenyl)-17,18-dihydro-10-(4-iodophenyl)-18,18-dimethylporphyrin (Fb-1e). A solution of Zn-1e (67.6 mg, 85.1 μmol) in 25 mL of CH₂Cl₂ was added a 50-fold excess of TFA. Standard workup and chromatography [silica, hexanes/CH₂Cl₂ (3:1)] gave a reddish purple solid (43.7 mg, 70%): ¹H NMR δ −1.92-−1.84 (br, 2H), 1.50 (s, 18H), 2.06 (s, 6H), 4.61 (s, 2H), 7.75 (t, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.86 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.97 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 2H), 8.04 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 8.44 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.53 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.72 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 8.79 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 8.80-8.86 (m, 2H), 8.87 (s, 1H), 8.96 (s, 1H); LD-MS obsd 729.33; FAB-MS obsd 730.2539, calcd 730.2532 (C₄₂H₄₃IN₄); λ_(abs) 416 (log ε=5.19), 510 (4.16), 592 (3.71), 641 (4.59) nm; λ_(em) 641, 683, 708 nm (Φ_(f)=0.092).

[0087] Zn (II)-5-(3,5-Di-tert-butylphenyl)-10-[4-[2-ethynyl]phenyl]-7,18-dihydro-18,18-dimethyl-17-oxoporphyrin (Oxo-Zn-1d). A mixture of Zn-1d (50.0 mg, 72.2 μmol) and basic alumina activity 1 (3 g) in 4 mL toluene was stirred for 8 h at 50° C. TLC analysis of the reaction mixture showed that all the starting material was consumed. The alumina was removed by filtration and was washed with CH₂Cl₂/methanol (19/1) until the washings were colorless. The filtrate was concentrated and dissolved in toluene (40 mL), then 2 equiv of DDQ (32.7 mg, 144 μmol) was added. The mixture was stirred for 5 min and then triethylamine (0.1 mL) was added. The solvent was removed under vacuum. Chromatography of the residue (silica, CH₂Cl₂) afforded a bluish purple solid (30.4 mg, 60%): ¹H NMR δ 1.51 (s, 18H), 2.01 (s, 6H), 3.30 (s, 1H), 7.77 (t, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.95 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 2H), 8.07 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 8.59 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.64 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.76 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.88 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.94 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.97 (s, 1H), 8.98 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 9.51 (s, 1H); LD-MS obsd 704.88; FAB-MS obsd 704.2507, calcd 704.2494 (C₄₄H₄₀N₄OZn); λ_(abs) 426 (log ε=5.40), 564 (4.01), 610 (473) nm; λ_(em) 610, 650, 668 nm (Φ_(f)=0.030).

[0088] Zn(II)-5-(3,5-Di-tert-butylphenyl)-17,18-dihydro-10-(4-iodophenyl)-18,18-dimethyl-17-oxoporphyrin (Oxo-Zn-1e). A mixture of Zn-1e (75.0 mg, 94.4 μmol) and basic alumina activity I (4.5 g) in 6 mL toluene was stirred for 5 h at 50° C. After standard workup, the residue was dissolved in toluene (60 mL) and 2 equiv of DDQ (42.9 mg, 189 μmol) was added. Standard workup and chromatography [silica, hexanes/CH₂Cl₂ (1:3)] gave a bluish purple solid (49.8 mg, 65%): ¹H NMR δ 1.51 (s, 18H), 2.06 (s, 6H), 7.77 (t, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.94 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 2H), 8.05 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 8.60 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.63 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.78 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.88 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.94 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.98 (s, 1H), 9.00 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 9.61 (s, 1H); LD-MS obsd 804.57; FAB-MS obsd 806.1472, calcd 806.1460 (C₄₂H₃₉IN₄OZn); λ_(abs) 425 (log ε=5.25), 563 (3.84), 609 (4.49) un; λ_(em) 610, 649, 668 nm (Φ_(f)=0.013).

[0089] 5-(3,5-Di-tert-butylphenyl)-10-[4-[2-ethynyl]phenyl]-17,18-dihydro-18,18-dimethyl-17-oxoporphyrin (Oxo-Fb-1d). A 50-fold excess of TFA was added to a solution of Oxo-Zn-1d (9.8 mg, 14 μmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL). Standard workup and chromatography [silica, hexanes/CH₂Cl₂ (1:1)] gave a reddish purple solid (7.5 mg, 86%): ¹H NMR δ −2.40-−2.36 (br, 1H), −2.27-−2.24 (br, 1H), 1.52 (s, 18H), 2.11 (s, 6H), 3.32 (s, 1H), 7.80 (t, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.88 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.99 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 2H), 8.13 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 8.60 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.63 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.87 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.97 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 9.10 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 9.17 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 9.23 (s, 1H), 9.85 (s, 1H); LD-MS obsd 641.80; FAB-MS obsd 643.3448, calcd 643.3437 (C₄₄H₄₂N₄O) [M+H]⁺; λ_(abs) 417 (log ε=5.30), 514 (4.10), 550 (3.92), 593 (3.77), 643 (4.25) nm; λ_(em) 643, 686, 713 nm (Φ_(f)=0.14).

[0090] 5-(3,5-Di-tert-butylphenyl)-17,18-dihydro-10-(4-iodophenyl)-18,18-dimethyl-17-oxoporphyrin (Oxo-Fb-1e). A 50-fold excess of TFA was added to a solution of Oxo-Zn-1e (10.2 mg, 12.6 μmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL). Standard workup and chromatography [silica, hexanes/CH₂Cl₂ (2:1)] gave a reddish purple solid (8.4 mg, 90%): ¹H NMR δ −2.42-−2.38 (br, 1H), −2.29- −2.25 (br, 1H), 1.52 (s, 18H), 2.10 (s, 6H), 7.80 (s, 1H), 7.90 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.99 (s, 2H), 8.09 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 8.60 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.63 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.87 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1IH), 8.97 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 9.10 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 9.17 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 9.24 (s, 1H), 9.85 (s, 1H); LD-MS obsd 742.81; FAB-MS obsd 745.2429, calcd 745.2403 (C₄₂H₄₁IN₄O) [M+H]⁺; λ_(abs) 416 (log ε=5.29), 513 (4.11), 547 (3.92), 589 (3.79), 643 (4.26) nm; λ_(em) 643, 687, 714 nm (Φ_(f)=0.049).

[0091] Cu(II)-5-(3,5-Di-tert-butylphenyl)-10-[4-[2-ethynyl]phenyl-17,18-dihydro-18,18-dimethylporphyrin (Cu-1d). A 25-fold excess of Cu(OAc)₂.H₂O (135 mg, 0.675 mmol) was added to a solution of Fb-1d (17.0 mg, 27.0 μmol) in CH₂Cl₂/methanol (4 mL, 1:1). The metalation was complete in 1.5 h as confirmed by UV-Vis and TLC analyses. Standard workup and chromatography [silica, hexanes/CH₂Cl₂ (1:1)] gave a blue solid (16.0 mg, 86%): LD-MS obsd 688.68; FAB-MS obsd 689.2736, calcd 689.2705 (C₄₄H₄₂CuN₄); λ_(abs) (log ε=5.31), 500 (3.75), 604 (4.55) nm.

[0092] Cu(II)-5-(3,5-Di-tert-butylphenyl)-17,18-dihydro-10-(4-iodophenyl)-18,18-dimethyl-porphyrin (Cu-1e). A 25-fold excess of Cu(OAc)₂.H₂O (98.8 mg, 0.495 mmol) was added to a solution of Fb-1e (14.5 mg, 19.8 μmol) in CH₂Cl₂/methanol (4 mL, 1:1). Standard workup and chromatography [silica, hexanes/CH₂Cl₂ (1:1)] gave a blue solid (13.4 mg, 85%): LD-MS obsd 790.33; FAB-MS obsd 791.1719, calcd 791.1672 (C₄₂H₄₁CuIN₄); λ_(abs) 409 (log ε=5.37), 510 (3.76), 604 (4.60) nm.

[0093] Cu(II)-5-(3,5-Di-tert-butylphenyl)-10-[4-[2-ethynyl]phenyl]-17,18-dyhydro-18,18-dimethyl-17-oxoporphyrin (Oxo-Cu-1d). A 25-fold excess of Cu(OAc)₂.H₂O (115 mg, 0.575 mmol) was added to a solution of Oxo-Fb-1d (14.8 mg, 23.0 μmol) in CH₂Cl₂/methanol (5 mL, 1:1). Standard workup and chromatography [silica, hexanes/CH₂Cl₂ (1:1)] gave a blue solid (15.3 mg, 94%): LD-MS obsd 702.78; FAB-MS obsd 703.2512, calcd 703.2498 (C₄₄H₄₀CuN₄O); λ_(abs) 420 (log ε=5.41), 560 (3.88), 605 (4.55) mm.

[0094] Cu(II)-5-(3,5-Di-tert-butylphenyl)-17,18-Dihydro-10-(4-iodophenyl)-18,18-dimethyl-17-oxoporphyrin (Oxo-Cu-1e). A 25-fold excess of Cu(OAc)₂.H₂O (115 mg, 0.575 mmol) was added to a solution of Oxo-Fb-1e (17.2 mg, 23.1 μmol) in CH₂Cl₂/methanol (5 mL, 1:1). Standard workup and chromatography [silica, hexanes/CH₂Cl₂ (1:1)] gave a blue solid (16.8 mg, 90%): LD-MS obsd 805.45; FAB-MS obsd 805.1486, calcd 805.1465 (C₄₂H₃₉CuIN₄O); λ_(abs) 420 (log ε=5.41), 560 (3.88), 605 (4.55) nm.

[0095] 2-(2-Nitroethyl)pyrrole (2). Pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde (2.85 g, 30.0 mmol) was dissolved in 90 mL of dry methanol and treated with nitromethane (4.85 mL, 90.0 mmol), sodium acetate (2.71 g, 33.0 mmol) and methylamine hydrochloride (2.23 g, 33.0 mmol). Stirring at room temperature for 12 h afforded a yellow/brown mixture. DMF (60 mL) and methanol (50 mL) were added to the reaction mixture. Sodium borohydride (3.97 g, 105 mmol) was added in portions. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h, neutralized with acetic acid (5 mL) and evaporated. The mixture was dissolved in dichloromethane (150 mL), washed with water (50 mL×3) and dried with Na₂SO₄. The mixture was purified by column chromatography (silica, CH₂Cl₂) to give an orange oil (2.79 g, 66%). The ¹H NMR spectrum and the ¹H NMR spectrum were identical to the literature data (Strachan, J.-P. et al., J. Org. Chem. 2000, 65, 3160-3172): ¹H NMR (400 MHz; CDCl₃) δ 3.31 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 2 H), 4.59 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 2 H), 5.99-6.01 (m, 1 H), 6.13-6.15 (m, 1 H), 6.69-6.71 (m, 1 H), 8.00-8.30 (br, 1 H); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz; CDCl₃) δ 25.4, 75.3, 106.9, 108.8, 117.8, 125.9; Anal. Calcd. for C₆H₈N₂O₂: C, 51.42; H, 5.75; N, 19.99. Found C, 51.38; H, 5.71; N, 19.92.

[0096] Compound 4. Following a general procedure (Strachan, J.-P. et al., J. Org. Chem. 2000, 65, 3160-3172; Battersby, A. R. et al., J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans. 1 1984, 2725-2732), cesium fluoride (3.58 g, 23.6 mmol, 3.00 mol eq, freshly dried by heating to 100° C. under vacuum for 1 h and then cooling to room temperature under argon) was placed in a flask under argon. A mixture of 2 (1.10 g, 7.85 mmol) and ketone 3 (7.17 g, 47.1 mmol) (Fukuda, Y. et al., Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn., 1991, 64, 2013-2015) in 50 mL of dry acetonitrile was transferred to the flask by cannula. The mixture was heated at 70° C. for 7 h, whereupon the reaction was deemed to be complete by TLC analysis. The reaction mixture was filtered. The filtrate was evaporated and chromatographed [alumina, ethyl acetate/hexanes (1:3)], affording a light yellow oil which solidified upon storing in the freezer (1.11 g, 51%): mp 82° C.; ¹H NMR (400 MHz; CDCl₃) δ 1.20-1.98 (m, 10H), 2.18 (s, 3H), 2.63, 2.70 (AB, ²J=17.7 Hz, 2H), 3.10 (ABX, ³J=2.7 Hz, ²J=15.3 Hz, 1H), 3.30 (ABX, ³J=11.7 Hz, ²J =15.3 Hz, 1H), 5.18 (ABX, ³J=2.7 Hz, ³J=11.7 Hz, 1H), 5.94-5.98 (m, 1H), 6.07-6.12 (m, 1H), 6.646.67 (m, 1H), 8.10-8.22 (br, 1H); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz; CDCl₃) δ 21.3, 25.3, 26.2, 30.9, 31.0, 32.2, 40.0, 43.8, 94.6, 107.1, 108.6, 117.7, 126.1, 207.7; Anal. Calcd. for C₁₅H₂₂N₂O₃: C, 64.73; H, 7.97; N, 10.06. Found C, 64.46; H, 7.88; N, 10.12.

[0097] Compound 5. Following a general procedure (Taniguchi, M. et al., J. Org. Chem. 2001, 66, 7342-7354), a vigorously stirred solution of 4 (700 mg, 2.51 mmol) in 12 mL of acetic acid and 12 mL of ethanol at 0° C. was treated with zinc dust (4.11 g, 62.8 mmol) in small portions over 5 min. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 15 min, and then was filtered through Celite. The filtrate was concentrated under high vacuum. The resulting brown solid was purified by column chromatography [silica; packed and eluted with ethyl acetate/CH₂Cl₂ (1:1), then eluted with CH₂Cl₂/methanol (9:1)] affording a brown oil that solidified to brownish crystals on standing at room temperature (498 mg, 81%): mp 109-110° C.; ¹H NMR δ1.25-1.89 (m, 10 H), 2.01 (s, 3H), 2.28-2.44 (m, 2H), 3.00 (ABX, ³J=3.7 Hz, ²J=16.1 Hz, 1H), 3.17 (ABX, ³J=6.6 Hz, ²J=16.1 Hz, 1H), 3.83-3.91 (m, 1H), 5.92-5.96 (m, 1H), 6.04-6.09 (m, 1H), 6.66-6.71 (m, 1H), 10.35-10.60 (br, 1H); ¹³C NMR δ13.2, 22.4,25.6,25.7, 30.8,30.9, 37.0,40.1,42.8, 81.3, 106.4, 107.2, 117.3, 128.3, 146.1; FAB-MS obsd 247.1813, calcd 247.1810 (C₁₅H₂₂N₂O).

[0098] Compound 6. Following a procedure for the deoxygenation of tetrahydrodipyrrin N-oxides (Taniguchi, M. et al., J. Org Chem. 2001, 66, 7342-7354), TiCl₄ (1.51 mL, 13.7 mmol) was slowly added with stirring to dry THF (30 mL) under argon at 0° C. To the resulting yellow solution was slowly added LiAlH₄ (370 mg, 9.75 mmol). The resulting black mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 min and then triethylamine (12.2 mL, 87.8 mmol) was added. The black mixture was then poured into a solution of 4 (480 mg, 1.95 mmol) in dry THF (20 mL). The mixture was stirred for 30 min at room temperature and then water (25 mL) was added. The mixture was filtered. The filtrate was extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The resulting yellow oil was purified by chromatography (silica, ethyl acetate) to give a pale yellow oil, which solidified to a pale yellow solid on cooling (228 mg, 51%): mp 54-55° C.; ¹H NMR δ1.16-1.71 (m, 10H), 2.04 (s, 3H), 2.31, 2.46 (AB, ²J=17.6 Hz, 2H), 2.53 (ABX, ³J=11.0 Hz, ²J=14.7 Hz, 1H), 2.85 (ABX, ³J=2.9 Hz, ²J=14.7 Hz, 1H), 3.63-3.73 (m, 1H), 5.92-5.96 (m, 1H), 6.08-6.13 (m, 1H), 6.68-6.73 (m, 1H), 9.70-9.95 (br, 1 H); ¹³C NMR δ20.8, 23.6, 24.1, 26.4, 28.4, 31.3, 37.2, 45.9, 49.7, 81.1, 105.5,107.5, 116.6, 131.9, 174.2; FAB-MS obsd 231.1864, calcd 231.1861 (M+H) (M=C₁₈H₂₂N₂O₅S).

[0099] Zn-8. Following a general procedure for chlorin formation (Taniguchi, M. et al., J. Org. Chem. 2001, 66, 7342-7354), a solution of 7 (140 mg, 0.304 mmol) in 10 mL of anhydrous THF/methanol (4:1) was treated with a 10-fold excess of NaBH₄ (115 mg, 3.04 mmol). The reaction was monitored by TLC [silica, hexanes/ethyl acetate (5:1)] and upon completion was carefully quenched with cold water (50 mL), then extracted with distilled CH₂Cl₂ (3×20 mL). The combined organic layers were dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated under reduced pressure without heating to afford the carbinol 7-OH. The residue was dissolved in 3 mL of anhydrous CH₃CN. A sample of 6 (70.0 mg, 0.304 mmol) was added followed by TFA (23.4 μL, 0.304 mmol). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. The reaction was quenched with 10% aqueous NaHCO₃ (50 mL) and extracted with distilled CH₂Cl₂ (3×20 μL). The combined organic layers were washed with water, dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated in vacuo without heating. The residue, which contains the crude tetrahydrobilene-a, was dissolved in 30 mL of toluene, to which AgTf(137 mg, 0.534 mmol), Zn(OAc)₂ (490 mg, 2.67 mmol) and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine (447 μL, 2.67 mmol) were added. The reaction mixture was refluxed for 24 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated and chromatographed [silica, hexanes/CH₂Cl₂ (2:1)] affording a blue solid (37 mg, 19%): ¹H NMR δ 0.80-2.70 (m, 22H), 4.55 (s, 2H), 7.20 (s, 2H), 7.47 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.95 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 8.22 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 1H), 8.36 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 1H), 8.48 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 1H), 8.54-8.67 (m, 5H); LD-MS obsd 649.08, calcd 650.2388 (C₄₁H₃₈N₄Zn); λ_(abs) 412, 610 nm; λ_(em) 610, 654, 666 nm.

[0100] Oxo-Zn-8. A mixture of Zn-8 (25.0 mg, 38 μmol) and basic alumina (grade I, 1.70 g) in toluene (3 mL) was stirred at 85° C. for 15 h. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the alumina was washed (CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH, 19:1) until the washings were colorless. The green solution was concentrated and dried under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in toluene (3 mL) and solid DDQ (16.9 mg, 76.1 μmol) was added. The mixture was stirred for 45 min. Triethylamine (300 μL) was added and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was immediately chromatographed (silica, CH₂Cl₂), affording a green solid (5.0 mg, 20%): ¹H NMR δ 0.85-2.70 (m, 22H), 7.23 (s, 2H), 7.51 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.98 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 8.22 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 1H), 8.45 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 1H), 8.53 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 1H), 8.80-8.93 (m, 3H), 8.98 (s, 1H), 9.45 (s, 1H); LD-MS obsd 664.70, calcd 664.2181 (C₄₁H₃₆N₄OZn); λ_(abs) 424, 611 μm; λ_(em) 611, 651, 669 μm.

[0101] 17,18-Dihydro-15-iodo-10-mesityl-18,18-dimethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)porphyrin (Fb-9). Following a general method for iodination of porphyrins (Shanmugathasan, S. et al., J. Porphyrins Phthalocyanines 2000, 4, 228-232), a solution of Fb-1a (51.5 mg, 93.9 μmol) in chloroform (45 mL) was treated with iodine (23.8 mg, 93.9 μmol), followed by pyridine (0.2 mL) and bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodobenzene (40.4 mg, 93.9 μmol). The mixture was stirred for 20 min at room temperature. The solution was washed with aqueous Na₂S₂O₃ (2×50 mL), dried (MgSO₄), and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by column chromatography [silica, hexanes/CH₂Cl₂ (2:1)] affording a dark pink solid (51.2 mg, 81%): ¹H NMR δ −1.61-−1.53 (br, 1H), −1.37- −1.29 (br, 1H), 1.83 (s, 6H), 2.04 (s, 6H), 2.59 (s, 3H), 2.65 (s, 3H), 4.67 (s, 2H), 7.20- 7.23 (m, 2H), 7.47- 7.53 (m, 2H), 7.96- 8.01 (m, 2H), 8.28 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 1H), 8.40 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 1H), 8.51 (dd, J=2.1 Hz, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 8.71 (s, 1H), 8.74- 8.79 (m, 2H), 9.07 (dd, J=1.5 Hz, J=2.1 Hz, 1H); LD-MS obsd 674.08; FAB-MS obsd 674.1912, calcd 674.1906 (C₃₈H₃₅IN₄); λ_(abs) 414, 647 nm.

[0102] 17 18-Dihydro-10-mesityl-18,18-dimethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-15-phenylporphyrin (Fb-11). Following a general method for Suzuki coupling (Zhou, X. et al., J. Org. Chem. 1998, 63, 99-104), Fb-9 (13.0 mg, 19.3 μmol), 10 (8.0 mg, 39.2 μmol), Pd(PPh₃)₄ (6.6 mg, 5.7 μmol, 30 mol%), and K₂CO₃ (21 mg, 0.15 mmol, 8.0 eq) were weighed into a Schlenk flask and the flask was pump-purged with argon three times. Toluene and DMF (2:1, 1.3 mL) were added and the mixture was heated for 17 h at 90° C. TLC analysis [silica, hexanes/CH₂Cl₂ (2:1)] showed three components. After removal of the solvent, CH₂Cl₂ (50 mL) was added and the mixture was filtered. The filtrate was concentrated and the residue was purified by column chromatography [silica, hexanes/CH₂Cl₂ (2:1)] affording a dark yellow solid, a fast-moving component (Pd-11) (2.1 mg, 15%) and a slow-moving component, Fb-11 (9.4 mg, 79%). Data for Pd-11: ¹H NMR δ 1.83 (s, 6H), 1.92 (s, 6H), 2.56 (s, 3H), 2.65(s, 3H), 4.19 (s, 2H), 7.18 (s, 2H), 7.48 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), 7.65 (m, 3H), 7.84 (m, 2H), 7.93 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 8.01 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 8.22 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 8.24 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 8.38 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 8.56 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H ), 8.57 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 1H ), 8.60 (s, 1H); LD-MS obsd 728.67; FAB-MS obsd 728.2166, calcd 728.2131 (C₄H₃₈N₄Pd); λ_(abs) (toluene) 407, 595 nm. Data for Fb-11: ¹H NMR δ −1.72 (br s, 1H), −1.48 (br s, 1H), 1.84 (s, 6H), 1.97 (s, 6H), 2.58 (s, 3H), 2.67(s. 3H), 4.18 (s, 2H), 7.21 (s, 2H), 7.51 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 2H), 7.70 (m, 3H), 7.92 (m, 2H), 8.03 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 8.19 (dd, J=4.5 Hz, J=0.9 Hz, 11H), 8.31 (d, J=4.2 Hz, I1H), 8.45 (d, J=4.2 Hz, 2H), 8.77 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 11H), 8.81 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 1H), 8.84 (s, 1H); LD-MS obsd 624.12; FAB-MS obsd 624.3274, calcd 624.3253 (C₄₄H40N₄); λ_(abs) 418, 645 nm.

[0103] Zn(II)-7,18-Dihydro-10-mesityl-18,18-dimethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-15-phenylporphyrin (Zn-11). A solution of Fb-11 (25.2 mg, 40.3 μmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL) was treated with methanolic Zn(OAc)₂ (148 mg, 0.807 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h Standard workup and chromatography [silica, hexanes/CH₂Cl₂ (1:1)] gave a blue solid (22.8 mg, 82%): ¹H NMR δ 1.85 (s, 6H), 1.94 (s, 6H), 2.56 (s, 3H), 2.66 (s, 3H), 4.50 (s, 2H), 7.18 (s, 2H), 7.48 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), 7.65 (m, 3H), 7.87 (m, 211), 7.97 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), 8.04 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 8.22 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 1H), 8.35 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 8.36 (d, J=4.2 Hz, 1H), 8.55 (s, 1H), 8.64 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 1H), 8.68 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 1H); LD-MS obsd 686.25; FAB-MS obsd 686.2377, calcd 686.2388 (C₄₄H₃₈N₄Zn); λ_(abs) 416, 613 nm.

[0104] Zn(II)-17,18-Dihydro-17-hydroxy-10-mesityl-18,18-dimethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-15-phenylporphyrin (HO-Zn-11). A mixture of Zn-11 (6.9 mg, 10 μmol) and basic alumina (grade I, 1.1 g) in toluene (1.0 mL) was stirred for 40 h at 50° C. Solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the alumina was washed (CH₂Cl₂/methanol, 10:1) until the washings were colorless. The solution was concentrated and the residue was chromatographed (silica, CH₂Cl₂), affording HO-Zn-11 (6.1 mg, 87%): LD-MS obsd 700.04, calcd 702.2337 (C₄₄H₃₈N₄OZn).

[0105] Attempted oxidation of Zn(II)-17,18-dihydro-17-hydroxy-18,18-dimethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-10-mesityl-5-phenylporphyrin (HO-Zn-11). Following a general method for oxidation, a mixture of HO-Zn-11 and the oxidation reagent [DDQ, MnO₂, Al₂O₃, p-chloranil, or Al(t-BuO)₃] in toluene or methanol was stirred for several hours at room temperature or at elevated temperature. Solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by column chromatography (silica, CH₂Cl₂). In some cases the starting material was recovered unchanged (100%) while in others TLC analysis (silica, CH₂Cl₂) showed many spots.

[0106] Attempted oxidation of 17,18-dihydro-10-mesityl-18,18-dimethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-15-phenylporphyrin (Fb-11). A mixture of Fb-11 (9.9 mg, 16 μmol) and basic alumina (grade I, 1.6 g) in toluene (2.5 mL) was stirred for 40 h at 50° C. Solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the alumina was washed with CH₂Cl₂ (50 mL) until the washings were colorless. The solution was concentrated under reduced pressure. The starting material was recovered unchanged.

[0107] 17,18-Dihydro-15-iodo-10-mesityl-18,18-dimethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-17-oxoporphyrin (Oxo-Fb-9). Following a general method for iodination of porphyrins, a solution of Oxo-Fb-1a (29.2 mg, 51.9 μmol) in CHCl₃ (20 mL) was treated with I₂ (13.2 mg, 52.0 μmol), followed by pyridine (70 μL) and bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodobenzene (22.4 mg, 52.1 μmol). The mixture was stirred for 5 days at room temperature. TLC analysis [silica, hexanes/CH₂Cl₂ (1:1)] showed seven components. The solution was washed with aqueous Na₂S₂O₃ (2×70 mL), dried (MgSO₄), and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated and the residue was chromatographed [silica, hexanes/ethyl acetate (1:10)] to give fractions A and B. Fraction B was purified by chromatography [silica, hexanes/CH₂Cl₂ (1:1), three times; desired component had R_(f)=0.51 on TLC] to give a dark pink solid (8.0 mg, 22%): ¹H NMR δ −1.77 (br s, 1H), −1.56 (br s, 1H), 1.83 (s, 6H), 2.07 (s, 6H), 2.62 (s, 3H), 2.68 (s, 3H), 7.25 (s, 2H), 7.54 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 2H), 8.02 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 8.41 (d, J=4.2 Hz, 1H), 8.49 (d, J=4.2 Hz, 1H), 8.64 (dd, J=2.1 Hz, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.90 (dd, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 9.01 (dd, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 9.11(s, 1H), 9.65 (dd, J=2.1 Hz, 1H); LD-MS obsd 686.84; FAB-MS obsd 688.1725, calcd 688.1699 (C₃₈H₃₃IN₄O); λ_(abs) 422, 649 nm.

[0108] 17,18-Dihydro-18,18-dimethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-10-mesityl-17-oxo-15-phenylporphyrin (Oxo-Fb-11). Following a general method for Suzuki coupling, Oxo-Fb-9 (8.00 mg, 11.6 μmol), 10 (24.0 mg, 0.118 mmol), Pd(PPh₃)₄ (6.7 mg, 5.8 μmol, 50 mol %), and K₂CO₃ (12.85 mg, 92.96 μmol, 8.0 eq) were weighed into a Schlenk flask and the flask was pump-purged with argon three times. Toluene and DMF (2:1, 1.2 mL) were added and the mixture was heated for 20 h at 90° C. After removal of the solvent, CH₂Cl₂ (50 mL) was added and the mixture was filtered. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by chromatography [silica, hexanes/CH₂Cl₂ (1:1)] to give a dark pink solid (4.8 mg, 65%): ¹H NMR δ −1.97 (br s, 1H), −1.87 (br s, 1H), 1.83 (s, 6H), 2.00 (s, 6H), 2.60 (s, 3H), 2.69(s, 3H), 7.24 (s, 2H), 7.55 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), 7.71 (m, 3H), 7.90 (m, 2H), 8.04 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), 8.45 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 8.50 (dd, J=1.8 Hz, J=2.1 Hz, 1H), 8.54 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 1H), 8.56 (dd, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 8.92 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 1H), 9.05 (d, J=3.9 Hz, 1H), 9.16 (s, 1H); LD-MS obsd 640.65; FAB-MS obsd 638.3052, calcd 638.3046 (C₄₄H₃₈N₄O); λ_(abs) 417, 645 nm.

[0109] Zn(II)-17,18-Dihydro-18,18-dimethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-10-mesityl-17-oxo-15-phenylporphyrin (Oxo-Zn-11). A solution of Oxo-Fb-11 (3.2 mg, 5.0 μmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (8 mL) was treated with methanolic Zn(OAc)₂ (18.4 mg, 100 μmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 22 h. Standard workup and chromatography (silica, CH₂Cl₂) gave a green solid (2.6 mg, 74%): ¹H NMR δ 1.83 (s, 6H), 1.97 (s, 6H), 2.58 (s, 3H), 2.68 (s, 3H), 7.01 (s, 2H), 7.52 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.69 (m, 3H), 7.86 (m, 2H), 7.99 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), 8.35 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 1H), 8.43 (d, J=4.2 Hz, 1H), 8.48 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 1H), 8.52 (d, J=4.2 Hz, 1H), 8.83 (d, J=4.2 Hz, 1H), 8.89 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 8.91 (s, 1H); LD-MS obsd 698.67; FAB-MS obsd 700.2178, calcd 700.2181 (C₄₄H₃₆N₄Zn); λ_(abs) 425, 612 mn.

[0110] Zn(II)-17,18-Dihydro-15-iodo-10-mesityl-18,18-dimethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-porphyrin (Zn-9). A 20-fold excess of Zn(OAc)₂.2H₂O (277 mg, 1.26 mmol) was added to a solution of Fb-9 (42.5 mg, 63.0 μmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (20 mL) and methanol (2 mL). The metalation was complete in 3.5 h as confirmed by UV-vis and TLC analyses. Standard workup and chromatography [silica, CH₂Cl₂] gave a dark purple solid (28.7 mg, 62%): ¹H NMR δ 1.84 (s, 6H), 2.01 (s, 6H), 2.57 (s, 3H), 2.65 (s, 3H), 4.61 (s, 2H), 7.17-7.20 (m, 2H), 7.45-7.49 (m, 2H), 7.90- 7.94 (m, 2H), 8.18 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.30 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.40 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.41 (s, 1H), 8.58 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.64 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 11H), 9.02 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H); LD-MS obsd 736.35; FAB-MS obsd 736.1080, calcd 736.1041 (C₃₈H₃₃IN₄Zn); λ_(abs) 419, 615 nm.

[0111] Zn(II)-15-Bromo-17,18-dihydro-10-mesityl-18,18-dimethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-porphyrin (Zn-12). Following a general method for bromination of porphyrins (Shi, X. et al., J. Org. Chem. 2000, 65, 1650-1664), a solution of Zn-1a (50.0 mg, 81.7 μmol) in THF (50 mL) was treated with NBS (14.5 mg, 81.7 μmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h. CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL) was added and the mixture was washed with aqueous NaHCO₃ (2×100 mL). The organic layer was dried (MgSO₄) and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated and the residue was chromatographed [silica, hexanes/CH₂Cl₂ (1:1)] to give a dark purple solid (45.8 mg, 81%): ¹H NMR δ 1.84 (s, 6H), 2.02 (s, 6H), 2.57 (s, 3H), 2.65 (s, 3H), 4.56 (s, 2H), 7.17-7.20 (m, 2H), 7.47 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.92 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 8.20 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.31 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.44 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.46 (s, 1H), 8.59 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.64 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.99 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H); LD-MS obsd 688.33; FAB-MS obsd 688.1206, calcd 688.1180 (C₃₈H₃₃BrN₄Zn); λ_(abs) 417, 614 nm.

[0112] Zn(II)-17,18-Dihydro-17-hydroxy-15-iodo-10-mesityl-18,18-dimethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)porphyrin (HO-Zn-9). A mixture of Zn-9 (13.0 mg, 17.6 μmol) and basic alumina (grade I, 0.8 g) in toluene (1.0 mL) was stirred for 4 h at 50° C. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the alumina was washed (CH₂Cl₂/methanol, 10:1) until the washings were colorless. The washings were combined and concentrated. The resulting residue was chromatographed (silica, CH₂Cl₂), affording a blue-purple solid (8.7 mg, 66%): LD-MS obsd 752.32; FAB-MS obsd 753.1021, calcd 752.0991 (C₃₈H₃₃IN₄OZn); λ_(abs) 419, 610 nm.

[0113] Attempted oxidation of Zn(II)-17,18-dihydro-17-hydroxy-15-iodo-10-mesityl-18,18-dimethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)porphyrin (HO-Zn-9). Following our general method for oxidation, a mixture of HO-Zn-9 and DDQ was stirred in toluene for several hours at room temperature. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by column chromatography (silica, CH₂Cl₂). The starting material was recovered unchanged.

[0114] Zn(II)-15-Bromo-7,18-dihydro-17-hydroxy-10-mesityl-18,18-dimethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)porphyrin (HO-Zn-12). A mixture of Zn-12 (13.5 mg, 19.5 μmol) and basic alumina (grade I, 0.8 g) in toluene (1.0 mL) was stirred for 4.5 h at 50° C. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the alumina was washed (CH₂Cl₂/methanol, 10:1) until the washings were colorless. The washings were combined and concentrated. The resulting residue was chromatographed (silica, CH₂Cl₂), affording a blue-purple solid (8.5 mg, 62%): LD-MS obsd 704.25 FAB-MS obsd 704.1147, calcd 704.1129 (C₃₈H₃₃BrN₄OZn); λ_(abs) 416, 608 nm.

[0115] Attempted oxidation of Zn(II)-15-bromo-17,18-dihydro-17-hydroxy-10-mesityl-18,18-dimethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)porphyrin (HO-Zn-12). Following our general method for oxidation, a mixture of HO-Zn-12 and DDQ was stirred in toluene for several hours at room temperature. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by column chromatography (silica, CH₂Cl₂). The starting material was recovered unchanged.

[0116] Zn(II)-20-Bromo-17,18-dihydro-10-mesityl-18,18-dimethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-17-oxoporphyrin (Oxo-Zn-13). Following a general method for bromination of porphyrins (Shi, X. et al., J. Org. Chem. 2000, 65, 1650-1664), a solution of Oxo-Zn-1a (10.0 mg, 16.0 μmol) in THF (10 mL) was treated with NBS (2.84 mg, 16.0 μmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 40 min. CH₂Cl₂ (50 mL) was added and the mixture was washed with aqueous NaHCO₃ (2×50 mL). The organic layer was dried (MgSO₄) and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated and the residue was chromatographed [silica, hexanes/CH₂Cl₂ (3:1)] to give a dark purple solid (8.7 mg, 77%): ¹H NMR δ 1.82 (s, 6H), 2.17 (s, 6H), 2.60 (s, 3H), 2.68 (s, 3H), 7.20-7.24 (m, 2H), 7.50 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.95 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 8.43 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.51 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.64 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.76 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.91 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 9.46 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 9.50 (s, 1H); LD-MS obsd 700.96; FAB-MS obsd 702.0959, calcd 702.0973 (C₃₈H₃₁BrN₄OZn); λ_(abs) 429, 615 nm.

[0117] Zn(II)-17,18-Dihydro-10-mesityl-18,18-dimethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-17-oxo-20-phenylporphyrin (Oxo-Zn-14). Following a general method for Suzuki coupling (Zhou, X. et al., J. Org. Chem. 1998, 63, 99-104), Oxo-Zn-13 (6.8 mg, 9.6 μmol), 10 (9.8 mg, 48 μmol), Pd(PPh₃)₄ (3.4 mg, 9.0 μmol, 30 mol%), and K₂CO₃ (11 mg, 77 μmol, 8.0 eq) were weighed into a Schlenk flask and the flask was pump-purged with argon three times. Toluene and DMF (2:1, 1 mL) were added and the mixture was heated for 17 h at 90° C. TLC analysis [silica, hexanes/CH₂Cl₂ (2:1)] showed two components. After removal of the solvent, CH₂Cl₂ (50 mL) was added and the mixture was washed with aqueous NaHCO₃ (2×50 mL). The organic layer was dried (MgSO₄) and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated and the residue was chromatographed [silica, hexanes/CH₂Cl₂ (1:3)] to give a fast-moving component (Oxo-Zn-14, 3.2 mg, 46%) and a slow-moving component (Oxo-Zn-1a, 1.3 mg, 21%). Data for Oxo-Zn-14: ¹H NMR δ 1.68 (s, 6H), 1.84 (s, 6H), 2.61 (s, 3H), 2.66 (s, 3H), 7.22-7.25 (m, 2H), 7.46-7.49 (m, 2H), 7.63-7.67 (m, 2H), 7.70-7.74 (m, 1H), 7.91-7.94 (m, 2H), 7.94-7.97 (m, 2H), 8.10-8.12 (m, 2H), 8.11 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.46 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.53 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.62 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.68 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.96 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 9.65 (s, 1H); LD-MS obsd 699.13; FAB-MS obsd 700.2182, calcd 700.2181 (C₄₄H₃₆N₄OZn); λ_(abs) 427, 614 nm.

[0118] ZnFb-dyad. Following the refined Pd-mediated coupling procedure (Wagner, R. W. et al., Chem. Mater. 1999, 11, 2974-2983), samples of Zn-1d (26.5 mg, 38.3 μmol), Fb-1e (28.0 mg, 38.3 μmol), Pd₂(dba)₃ (5.26mg, 5.75 μmol), and P(o-tol)₃ (14.0 mg, 46.0 μmol) were weighed into a 100-mL Schlenk flask which was then pump-purged three times with argon. Toluene/triethylamine (5:1, 15 mL) was added and the flask was stirred at 35° C. Analytical SEC showed that the reaction had leveled off after 5 h. The solvent was removed and the residue was chromatographed (silica, toluene) affording unreacted chlorin monomers followed by the desired dyad and then high molecular weight material (HMWM). The mixture of dyad and HMWM was concentrated to dryness, dissolved in THF, and chromatographed in four equal portions (SEC, THF). Gravity elution afforded dimer-containing fractions. The dyad-containing fractions were combined and chromatographed (silica, toluene), affording a bluish purple solid (11.3 mg, 23%): ¹H NMR (toluene-d₈) δ −1.39- −1.37 (br, 2H), 1.50 (s, 18H), 1.54 (s, 18H), 1.92 (s, 6H), 1.93 (s, 6H), 4.16 (s, 2H), 4.29 (s, 2H), 7.92-7.96 (m, 4H), 7.97-8.03 (m, 4H), 8.11-8.15 (m, 2H), 8.22 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 2H), 8.29 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 2H), 8.43 (1H, s), 8.45 (1H, s), 8.56-8.63 (m, 5H), 8.69-8.76 (m, 4H), 8.79-8.81 (m, 1H), 8.83-8.86 (m, 2H), 8.94-8.97 (m, 2H); LD-MS obsd 1293.18, calcd 1292.6110 (C₈₆H₈₄N₈Zn); λ_(abs) 415 (log ε=5.44), 510 (4.24), 609 (4.55), 641 (4.47) nm; λ_(em) 611, 641, 683, 708 nm (Φ_(f)=0.22).

[0119] Zn₂-dyad. Following the procedure described for the preparation of ZnFb-dyad, samples of Zn-1d (13.8 mg, 20.0 μmol) and Zn-1e (15.9 mg, 20.0 μmol) were coupled using Pd₂(dba)₃ (2.75 mg, 3.00 μmol) and P(o-tol) (7.31 mg, 24.0 mol) in toluene/triethylamine (5:1, 8 mL) at 35° C. under argon. After 1.5 h, Pd₂(dba)₃ (2.75mg, 3.00 μmol) and P(o-tol)₃ (7.31 mg, 24.0 μmol) were added to the reaction mixture. Analytical SEC showed that the reaction had leveled off after 2.5 h. Chromatography (silica, toluene) removed the Pd species and afforded a mixture of chlorins. Further chromatography in four equal portions (SEC, THF) afforded dyad-containing fractions. The dyad-containing fractions were combined and chromatographed (silica, toluene), affording a bluish purple solid (8.3 mg, 31%): ¹H NMR (toluene-d₈) δ 1.53 (s, 36H), 1.87 (s, 12H), 4.16 (s, 4H), 7.92-7.95 (m, 2H), 7.99 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 4H), 8.13 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 4H), 8.27-8.29 (m, 4H), 8.42 (s, 2H), 8.45 (s, 2H), 8.55-8.60 (m, 6H), 8.73 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 2H), 8.84 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 2H), 8.95 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 2H); LD-MS obsd 1354.03; calcd 1354.5245 (C₈₆H₈₂N₈Zn₂); FAB-MS: High resolution mass spectrometry was carried out on this sample at greater than unit resolution. Signal-to-noise levels were not sufficient to allow measurement of the nominal exact mass ion, but the base peak in the isotope cluster was observed at 1358.5221 (calcd 1358.5230), thus, elemental composition was confirmed as C₈₆H₈₂N₈Zn₂; λ_(abs) 415 (log ε=5.54), 563 (3.45), 609 (4.91) nm; λ_(em) 611, 666 nm (Φ_(f)=0.053).

[0120] Cu₂-dimer. Following the procedure described for the preparation of ZnFb-dyad, samples of Cu-1d (8.70 mg, 12.6 μmol) and Cu-1e (10.0 mg, 12.6 μmol) were coupled using Pd₂(dba)₃ (1.73 mg, 1.89 μmol) and P(o-tol)₃ (4.60 mg, 15.1 μmol) in toluene/triethylamine (5:1, 5 mL) at 35° C. under argon. Analytical SEC showed that the reaction had leveled off after 2.5 h. Chromatography (silica, toluene) removed the Pd species and afforded a mixture of chlorins. Further chromatography in two equal portions (SEC, toluene) afforded dimer-containing fractions. The dimer-containing fractions were combined and chromatographed (silica, ethyl acetate), affording a blue solid (4.3 mg, 25%): LD-MS obsd 1355.41, calcd 1352.5454 (C₈₆H₈₂Cu₂N₈); kabs 411 (log ε=5.23), 500 (3.83), 605 (4.53) nm.

[0121] ZnFb-Oxo-dyad. Following the procedure described for the preparation of ZnFb-dyad, samples of Oxo-Zn-1d (28.7 mg, 40.6 μmol) and Oxo-Fb-1e (30.2 mg, 40.6 μmol), were coupled using Pd₂(dba)₃ (5.57 mg, 6.08 μmol) and P(o-tol)₃ (14.8 mg, 48.7 μmol) in toluene/triethylamine (5:1, 16 mL) at 35° C. under argon. After 3.5 h, Pd₂(dba)₃ (5.57 mg, 6.08 μmol) and P(o-tol)₃ (14.8 mg, 48.7 μmol) were added to the reaction mixture. Analytical SEC showed that the reaction had leveled off after 4.5 h. Chromatography (silica, CH₂Cl₂) removed the Pd species and afforded a mixture of chlorins. Further chromatography in three equal portions (SEC, THF) afforded dyad-containing fractions. The dyad-containing fractions were combined and chromatographed (silica, CH₂Cl₂), affording a bluish purple solid (27.8 mg, 52%): ¹H NMR (toluene-d₈) δ −2.36- −2.33 (br, 1H), −2.22- −2.19 (br, 1H), 1.52 (s, 18H), 1.54 (s, 18H), 2.06 (s, 6H), 2.06 (s, 6H), 7.78-7.82 (m, 2H), 7.97-8.02 (m, 4H), 8.02-8.07 (m, 4H), 8.17-8.20 (m, 2H), 8.22-8.26 (m, 2H), 8.67-8.72 (m, 4H), 8.87-8.91 (m, 2H), 8.95-8.97 (m, 1H), 8.97-8.98 (m, 2H), 8.99 (1H, s), 9.10-9.12 (m, 1H), 9.19-9.21 (m, 1H), 9.23 (s, 1H), 9.61 (s, 1H), 9.77 (s, 1H); LD-MS obsd 1320.78; FAB-MS: High resolution mass spectroscopy was carried out on this sample at greater than unit resolution and the expected molecule ion was observed at m/z 1320.56 (calcd 1320.57), thus, elemental composition was confirmed as C₈₆H₈₀N₈O₂Zn; λ_(abs) 425 (log ε=5.73), 514 (4.31), 549 (4.24), 594 (4.22), 610 (4.74), 643 (4.31) nm; λ_(em) 641, 683, 707 nm (Φ_(f)=0.29).

[0122] Zn₂-Oxo-dyad. A 50-fold excess of Zn(OAc)₂.2H₂O (100 mg, 0.454 mmol) was added to a solution of ZnFb-Oxo-dyad (12.0 mg, 9.07 lmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL) and methanol (1 mL). The metalation was complete in 14 h as confirmed by UV-Vis and TLC analyses. Standard workup and chromatography [silica, CH₂Cl₂-hexane (1:1), ethyl acetate] gave a bluish purple solid (4.25 mg, 34%): ¹H NMR (toluene-d₈) δ 1.53 (s, 36H), 2.06 (s, 12H), 7.93-7.95 (m, 2H), 7.98 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 4H), 8.09 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 4H), 8.26-8.27 (m, 4H), 8.66 (s, 2H), 8.69-8.72 (m, 4H), 8.75 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 2H), 8.82-8.85 (m, 4H), 9.03 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 2H), 9.76 (s, 2H); LD-MS obsd 1382.16, calcd 1382.4831 (C₈₆H₇₈N₈0₂Zn); λ_(abs) 428, 563, 610 nm; λ_(em) 609, 666 nm (Φ_(f)=0.065).

[0123] Cu₂-Oxo-dimer. Following the procedure described for the preparation of ZnFb-dyad, samples of Oxo-Cu-1d (8.70 mg, 12.4 μmol) and Oxo-Cu-1e (10.0 mg, 12.4 lmol) were coupled using Pd₂(dba)₃ (1.70 mg, 1.86 μmol) and P(o-tol)₃ (4.53 mg, 14.9 μmol) in tolueneltriethylamine (5:1, 5 mL) at 35° C. under argon. After 2.5 h, Pd₂(dba)₃ (1.70 mg, 1.86 μmol) and P(o-tol)₃ (4.53 mg, 14.9 tmol) were added to the reaction mixture. Analytical SEC showed that the reaction had leveled off after 3.5 h. Chromatography (silica, toluene) removed the Pd species and afforded a mixture of chlorins. Further chromatography in two equal portions (SEC, THF) afforded dimer-containing fractions. The dimer-containing fractions were combined and chromatographed (silica, toluene), affording a blue solid (11.6 mg, 68%): LD-MS obsd 1382.36, calcd 1380.5040 (C₈₆H₇₈Cu₂N₈O₂); λ_(abs) 424 (log ε=5.68), 561 (4.21), 605 (4.83) nm.

EXAMPLE 2 Synthesis of Oxochlorins

[0124] Conversion of chlorins to oxochlorins. Zn-chlorins Zn-1a,b were readily available for use in these studies (Scheme 1) (Strachan, J.-P. et al., J. Org. Chem. 2000,

[0125] 65, 3160-3172; Taniguchi, M. et al., J. Org. Chem. 2001, 66, 7342-7354). We first examined several reagents known for the oxidation of the benzylic methylene unit to the corresponding carbonyl or hydroxy groups, including MnO₂, CrO₃, Cu(OAc)₂, and SeO₂. While most of these reagents are employed at high concentration and/or at elevated temperatures, we screened these reagents at room temperature in dilute solution owing to the constraints of solubility and chemical sensitivity with porphyrinic macrocycles. Treatment of Zn-1a with MnO₂, Cu(OAc)₂ or SeO₂ proved ineffective, while CrO₃ led to extensive decomposition. Given the facile hydroxylation of certain chlorins during chromatography on neutral alumina (Burns, D. H. et al., Chem. Commun. 1998, 1677-1678), we decided to explore this side-reaction as the first step in a procedure for converting chlorins to oxochlorins. Thus, a mixture of Zn-1a and basic alumina (activity I) in toluene at room temperature was stirred in a reaction vessel exposed to air for 36 h. Elution of the chlorin species and analysis by TLC showed three components: a fast-moving blue component (R_(f)=0.82), a medium-fast moving green component (Rf=0.38), and a slow-moving blue component (R_(f)=0.15). LD-MS analysis of the components revealed their identity as unchanged starting material (Zn-1a), oxochlorin Oxo-Zn-1a and hydroxychlorin HO-Zn-1a. The three components were easily separated by column chromatography on silica. (The same reaction in dichloromethane proved inefficient, presumably due to poorer adsorption of the chlorin on alumina in this more polar solvent.) Similar results were obtained with Zn-1b though oxidation was slower in this case. However, our attempts to convert Fb-1a,b to the corresponding hydroxychlorins were not successful; unchanged starting material was recovered in near-quantitative amounts in each case.

[0126] To identify the grade and nature of alumina for the oxidation, experiments were done in parallel employing basic alumina (activity I), neutral alumina, and basic alumina (activity V). In each case, a mixture of chlorin (1 mg) and alumina (70 mg) in toluene (0.4 mL) was stirred for 14 h in a vial loosely plugged with cotton. The reaction was most efficient on the most active grade of alumina. A small amount of oxochlorin was formed in each case.

[0127] Given the facile formation of the hydroxychlorins, their conversion to the corresponding oxochlorins was investigated. Several reagents are available for the oxidation of secondary alcohols to ketones. No reaction was obtained with SeO₂ or p-chloranil with hydroxychlorin HO-Zn-1a under room-temperature conditions. MnO₂ was an efficient oxidizing agent for reactions on a small scale, but gave erratic results upon scale-up. Moreover, the prolonged reaction time (>96 h) made this reagent less attractive. The reaction with DDQ in dichloromethane led to decomposition. However, the oxidation with ˜2-3 equivalents of DDQ in toluene proceeded rapidly with few side reactions. When the reaction was carried out on a 10 mg-scale, oxochlorin Oxo-Zn-1a was obtained in 90% yield, while the synthesis at the preparative level gave Oxo-Zn-1a in 55% yield. Similar results were achieved in the conversion of HO-Zn-1b to Oxo-Zn-1b (74% yield). The structure of each oxochlorin product was assigned on the basis of ¹H NMR and LD-MS data.

[0128] In an attempt to shorten reaction times and simplify work-up procedures, oxidation of Zn-1a with alumina was attempted at 50° C. for 15 h, whereupon the starting material was completely consumed yielding a mixture of HO-Zn-1a and Oxo-Zn-1a. Oxidation of the mixture with DDQ afforded Oxo-Zn-1a in 54% yield.

[0129] The efficiency of DDQ-oxidation is a sensitive function of concentration of hydroxychlorin. Higher yields of oxochlorin were obtained when the oxidation was carried out in dilute solutions (10 mM). At higher concentration (>40 mM), substantial decomposition of chlorins to base-line material was observed.

[0130] A one-flask conversion of chlorins to oxochlorins was attempted by using excess DDQ (6 equivalents) in toluene as the oxidizing agent in the absence of alumina. The oxochlorin was formed rapidly. The oxochlorin was isolated in 50% yield but the chromatographic separation was more difficult than the two-step alumina-DDQ procedure owing to the formation of unwanted side products.

[0131] The demetalation of Oxo-Zn-1a,b was achieved using TFA in CH₂Cl₂, affording the corresponding free base oxochlorin Oxo-Fb-1a,b. Treatment of oxochlorin Oxo-Fb-1a to the heterogeneous magnesium insertion procedure (MgI₂, DIEA, CH₂Cl₂) (Lindsey, J. S. et al., Inorg. Chem. 1995, 34, 1063-1069) afforded the corresponding magnesium chelate Oxo-Mg-1a. In contrast to Mg-1a, which is readily demetalated upon workup, magnesium oxochlorin Oxo-Mg-1a is relatively stable and could be purified by chromatography over basic alumina (activity V). For resonance Raman studies, copper chelates Cu-1a,b and Oxo-Cu-1a,b were prepared. It is interesting to note that attempts to convert Cu-1a to the hydroxychlorin by exposure to alumina were unsuccessful and the parent chlorin was obtained unchanged. When DDQ alone was used as the oxidizing agent, extensive decomposition was observed with formation of a small amount of Oxo-Cu-1a (<10%).

[0132] New substituted chlorins and oxochlorins.

[0133] (a) Chlorins/oxochlorins for surface attachment. Chlorins bearing suitable functional groups can be attached to a surface. Chlorins bound to metal oxide surfaces (TiO₂, SnO₂, etc.) can be used in studies of photoinduced electron-transfer processes. Carboxy groups provide ideal attachment moieties for binding to metal oxide surfaces. A chlorin bearing a single carboxy substituent (Zn-1c) was prepared. For comparative studies of chlorins and oxochlorins bound to a surface, we sought the oxochlorin analog of Zn-1c. Thus, the two-step oxidation of chlorin Zn-1c gave the corresponding oxochlorin Oxo-Zn-1c in 31% yield (Scheme 2).

[0134] (b) Chlorin/oxochlorin building blocks. Meso-substituted chlorins bearing an iodo group or an ethynyl group were synthesized via tetrahydrobilene-a intermediates (Taniguchi, M. et al., J. Org. Chem. 2001, 66, 7342-7354). These chlorins incorporate the 3,5-di-tert-butyl phenyl group for increased solubility in organic solvents. The initial attempt to synthesize chlorin-chlorin dyads bearing para-tolyl groups was not successful due to the lower solubility of these compounds in organic solvents.

[0135] Zinc oxochlorins were readily obtained by the oxidation of the corresponding zinc chlorins in the same manner (alumina/DDQ) as described above. The zinc chlorin (Zn-1d or Zn-1e) was treated with basic alumina in toluene at 50° C. (Scheme 3). After 5-8 h, TLC analysis showed that the zinc chlorin was consumed and two new spots corresponding to the oxochlorin (Oxo-Zn-1d or Oxo-Zn-1e) (minor spot) and the hydroxychlorin (major spot) appeared. The reaction mixture was treated with DDQ to convert the hydroxychlorin to the oxochlorin. The reaction was fast; after 1 min all the hydroxychlorin was converted into the oxochlorin. In this manner, oxochlorins Oxo-Zn-1d and Oxo-Zn-1e were isolated in 60-65% yields.

[0136] The free base chlorins Fb-1d,e and oxochlorins Oxo-Fb-1d,e were obtained by demetalation of the corresponding zinc chlorins Zn-1d,e and zinc oxochlorins Oxo-Zn-1d,e with TFA in CH₂Cl₂. All attempts to make free base oxochlorins via oxidation of free base chlorins were not successful.

[0137] The copper chelates of chlorins (Cu-1d,e) and oxochlorins (Oxo-Cu-1d,e) were prepared by treating the corresponding free base chlorins Fb-1d,e and oxochlorins Oxo-Fb-1d,e with Cu(OAc)₂ in CH₂Cl₂/methanol (1:1) at room temperature.

[0138] (c) Spiro-chlorins/oxochlorins. The existing methodology for preparing chlorin/oxochlorin building blocks is well suited for introducing substituents at the 5 and 10-positions. For many applications, the availability of only two sites of substitution is rather limiting. By contrast, the four meso-sites in porphyrins are readily available for incorporation of diverse substituents. While typically two sites are used as synthetic handles, the remaining two can be used to achieve the desired solubility properties. With chlorins we sought to introduce groups at sites other than the 5,10-positions to achieve the desired solubility or to introduce other synthetic handles.

[0139] The incorporation of longer alkyl chains at the 18-position can be achieved by the modification of the chlorin-forming reaction that was reported earlier (Taniguchi, M. et al., J. Org. Chem. 2001, 66, 7342-7354). The synthesis of the requisite Western half begins with pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde and proceeds to nitroethyl pyrrole 2. The prior synthesis of 2 was achieved in somewhat low yield by formation of the nitrovinyl pyrrole intermediate which is then reduced with NaBH₄. To achieve an increased yield of the critical intermediate 2, a two-step, one-flask synthesis of 2 without isolation of the intermediate nitrovinyl pyrrole (Strachan, J.-P. et al., J. Org. Chem. 2000, 65, 3160-3172) was developed. This procedure involves a much simpler workup procedure and affords 2 in slightly greater yield than the two-step procedure (51% versus 45% yield).

[0140] A key step in the synthesis of the desired C-alkylated chlorins is the Michael addition of nitroethyl pyrrole 2 to suitable α,β-unsaturated ketones having long alkyl chains as β-substituents. These, in principle, are readily accessible from the corresponding ketones via a Wittig-Horner reaction. Higher homologues (C9 or higher) of linear aliphatic ketones screened by us were unreactive under these conditions. However, cyclohexanone reacted smoothly with dimethyl (2-oxopropyl)phosphonate to yield the corresponding α,β-unsaturated ketone 3. Reaction of the latter with nitroethyl pyrrole 2 under the standard conditions gave the corresponding tetrahydrodipyrrin 6 (Scheme 4).

[0141] Treatment of 6 to the two-step chlorin-forming conditions developed earlier gave the chlorin Zn-8. Oxidation of Zn-8 under the conditions described above (alumina/DDQ) led to the corresponding oxochlorin Oxo-Zn-8 (Scheme 5).

[0142] (d) Trans-substituted chlorins/oxochlorins. The incorporation of chlorins or oxochlorins as integral units in linear multi-pigment arrays requires access to trans-substituted chlorin or oxochlorin building blocks. We previously have prepared chlorins bearing substituents at the 2,12-positions, which entailed lengthy synthesis beginning with the preparation of β-substituted pyrroles. The synthesis of meso-substituted chlorins entails much less synthesis, but heretofore the only accessible meso-substituted chlorins have had substituents at the 5- and 10-positions. The ability to introduce a substituent at the 15- or 20-position would provide facile access to trans-substituted building blocks of chlorins and oxochlorins.

[0143] The formation of trans-substituted oxochlorins involves these three steps; (1) meso-halogenation, (2) substitution of the meso-halogen group by metal-mediated coupling (e.g., Suzuki or Sonogashira reactions), (3) oxidation of the 17-position (conversion of the chlorin to the oxochlorin). There are three possible strategies by changing the sequence of these transformations, including route A: (1)→(2)→(3); route B: (1)→(3)→(2); and route C: (3)→(1)→(2). We investigated each of these three possible routes.

[0144] Route A: With this aim, we explored routes for the synthesis of the 5,10,15-triarylchlorin 11. Initially, we selected Fb-1a as the starting material (Scheme 6). A known procedure for the iodination of porphyrins (Shanmugathasan, S. et al., J. Porphyrins Phthalocyanines 2000, 4, 228-232; Wytko, J. et al., Helv. Chim. Acta 1998, 81, 1964-1977) was applied for the synthesis of the 15-iodo-substituted chlorin Fb-9. The reaction proceeded with high regioselectivity, affording Fb-9 in 58% yield. The high selectivity of this reaction is not surprising, as Woodward first reported the high reactivity toward electrophiles of the meso sites flanking the reduced ring (Woodward, R. B. et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1961, 83, 4676-4678). Suzuki coupling of Fb-9 with 4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-2-phenyl-[1,3,2]dioxaborolane (10) (Nicolas, M. et al., Eur. J. Org. Chem. 2000, 1703-1710) gave Fb-11 in 79% yield along with the byproduct Pd-11 in 15% yield. This route affords straightforward access to trans-substituted chlorins.

[0145] A route to trans-substituted oxochlorins was examined by oxidation of the trans-substituted chlorins. Owing to the resistance of free base chlorins to oxidation on alumina, Fb-11 was converted to Zn-11. Application of the standard oxidation procedure (alumina/DDQ) to Zn-11 gave the corresponding hydroxychlorin HO-Zn-11 upon treatment with alumina, but the reaction with DDQ gave decomposition rather than the desired Oxo-Zn-11. Attempted oxidation of HO-Zn-11 with a wide variety of oxidizing

[0146] agents proved ineffective (Scheme 7). The resistance of HO-Zn-11 to undergo further oxidation may be attributed to steric factors.

[0147] Route B: Subsequently, we examined oxidation of 15-halo-substituted Zn-chlorins (Scheme 8). The requisite 15-halo-substituted Zn-chlorins are readily available. Thus, the 15-iodo-substituted chlorin Zn-9 was obtained by zinc chelation of Fb-9, while the 15-bromo-substituted chlorin Zn-12 was obtained by selective bromination of Zn-1a upon reaction with N-bromosuccinimide. The corresponding hydroxychlorin HO-Zn-9 or HO-Zn-12 was obtained in a straightforward manner upon oxidation of Zn-9 or Zn-12 with alumina, respectively. (Note: together with HO-Zn-9, a trace amount of Oxo-Zn-9 was formed and characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy). However, the attempted oxidation with DDQ of the hydroxychlorin HO-Zn-9 or HO-Zn-12 gave no detectable oxochlorin, the same result obtained with HO-Zn-11. Thus, the hydroxychlorins with a 15-halo or phenyl substituent (HO-Zn-9, HO-Zn-11, and HO-Zn-12) are quite resistant toward oxidation required to form the oxochlorin.

[0148] Route C1: An alternate route to trans-substituted oxochlorins was examined by reversing the sequence of arylation/oxidation. Thus, iodination of Oxo-Fb-1a afforded the 15-iodochlorin Oxo-Fb-9, albeit in poor yield. Analysis of the reaction mixture indicated the presence of several iodinated components indicating the low selectivity of the iodination process. (A number of the side products arising through the iodination at 20- and β-pyrrole positions were separated and identified.) Suzuki coupling of Oxo-Fb-9 and 10 proceeded in high yield to give Oxo-Fb-11, which was metalated to give Oxo-Zn-11 (Scheme 9). This route enables the synthesis of a trans-substituted oxochlorin but the lack of selectivity in the iodination of the oxochlorin limits the efficiency of the overall synthesis.

[0149] Route C2: Treatment of the oxochlorin Oxo-Zn-1a with NBS gave the 20-bromo-substituted chlorin Oxo-Zn-13 in a quite selective manner (77% yield). This surprising result is entirely distinct from the result obtained upon iodination of Oxo-Fb-1a described above, whereupon the 15-iodo-substituted oxochlorin Oxo-Fb-9 was obtained along with a number of side products. The facile introduction of a halo substituent at the 20-position opens the door for a streamlined synthesis of trans-substituted oxochlorins. The Suzuki coupling of Oxo-Zn-13 and the dioxaborolane 10 gave the trans-substituted oxochlorin Oxo-Zn-14 (47%) together with the debrominated oxochlorin Oxo-Zn-1a (22%) (Scheme 10). This route toward the trans-substituted oxochlorin has two advantages compared to Route C1: (1) high selectivity, and (2) only three steps are required from the chlorin.

[0150] The various routes examined for preparing trans-substituted oxochlorins (5,15- or 10,20-substituted) are summarized in Table 1. The chemistry described herein provides routes to trans-substituted chlorins (5,15) and trans-substituted oxochlorins (5,15 or 10,20). The route to the 10,20-oxochlorins is considerably more efficient than that for preparing the 5,15-oxochlorins, due to the greater selectivity of 20-bromination of the zinc oxochlorin than 15-iodination of the free base oxochlorin. Regardless, both routes provide access to valuable oxochlorin building blocks that have heretofore been inaccessible. TABLE 1 Comparison of Routes. Reaction Substrate for trans- Method sequence^(a) halogenation Substitution Product A I/Ar/Ox Fb-chlorin — none B I or Br/Ox/Ar Fb-chlorin (I) — none Zn-chlorin (Br) C1 Ox/I/Ar Fb-oxochlorin  5,15 Oxo-Fb-11 C2 Ox/Br/Ar Zn-oxochlorin 10,20 Oxo-Zn-14

[0151]

EXAMPLE 3 Photophysical Studies of Oxochlorins

[0152] The absorption spectrum of oxochlorin Oxo-Zn-1a was collected in toluene at room temperature. The Soret band is red-shifted by 10 nm while the Q_(y)(0,0) band is relatively unchanged from that of Zn-1a (FIG. 1). Similarly, Oxo-Fb-1a exhibits a Soret band which is sharper in comparison with that of Fb-1a. Similar features were observed for the other chlorin/oxochlorin species. Incorporation of an additional phenyl group at the 15-position does not appreciably change the absorption spectra of oxochlorins as evidenced by the slight (2-4 nm) shift observed for the Soret and the Q bands of Oxo-Fb-11 and Oxo-Zn-11 versus Oxo-Fb-1a and Oxo-Zn-1a, respectively. The long-wavelength absorption maxima for the chlorins are listed in Table 2. TABLE 2^(a) Compound Ar¹ (5-position) Ar² (10-position) R^(f) γ_(Qy(0,0)) (nm) Φ_(f) Zn-1a^(b) p-tolyl mesityl H 608 0.065 Zn-1b^(b) C₆F₅ C₆F₅ H 608 0.072 Zn-1c^(c) p-tolyl e H 608 0.068 Zn-1d^(c) 3,5-di-t-Bu-phenyl 4-ethynylphenyl H 609 0.070 Cu-1d 3,5-di-t-Bu-phenyl 4-ethynylphenyl H 604 — Zn-8^(c) p-tolyl mesityl H 610 — Zn-11^(c) p-tolyl mesityl C₆H₅ 613 — Fb-1a^(b) p-tolyl mesityl H 641 0.29 Fb-1b^(b) C₆F₅ C₆F₅ H 644 0.26 Fb-1c^(d) p-tolyl e H 647 0.28 Fb-1d^(d) 3,5-di-t-Bu-phenyl 4-ethynylphenyl H 641 0.29 Fb-11^(d) p-tolyl mesityl C₆H₅ 645 — Oxo-Zn-1a^(c) p-tolyl mesityl H 609 0.028 Oxo-Zn-1b^(c) C₆F₅ C₆F₅ H 613 0.024 Oxo-Zn-1c^(c) p-tolyl e H 610 0.030 Oxo-Zn-1d^(c) 3,5-di-t-Bu-phenyl 4-ethynylphenyl H 610 0.030 Oxo-Cu-1d 3,5-di-t-Bu-phenyl 4-ethynylphenyl H 605 Oxo-Zn-8^(c) p-tolyl mesityl H 611 Oxo-Zn-11^(c) p-tolyl mesityl C₆H₅ 612 0.032 Oxo-Zn-14 p-tolyl mesityl C₆H₅ 614 0.032 Oxo-Fb-1a^(d) p-tolyl mesityl H 643 0.064 Oxo-Fb-1b^(d) C₆F₅ C₆F₅ H 645 0.067 Oxo-Fb-1c^(d) p-tolyl e H 643 0.14 Oxo-Fb-1d^(d) 3,5-di-t-Bu-phenyl 4-ethynylphenyl H 643 0.14 Oxo-Fb-11^(d) p-tolyl mesityl C₆H₅ 646 0.086

[0153] The fluorescence emission spectra of the oxochlorins Oxo-Zn-1a-c show features similar to those of the parent chlorins Zn-1a-c (Table 2). In the case of Oxo-Zn-1a, the λ_(Qy)(0,0) band, for example, appeared at 609 nm indicating negligible Stokes shift. Similarly, the λ_(Qy)(0,0) band for Oxo-Zn-1b and Oxo-Zn-1c appeared at 614 and 610 nm, respectively, indicating a minimal Stokes shift. The fluorescence quantum yield (Φ_(f)) of each oxochlorin Oxo-Zn-1a-d or Oxo-Zn-11 is similar to that of zinc(II)-meso-tetraphenylporphyrin (ZnTPP) (0.033). The free base oxochlorins have fluorescence quantum yields in the range of 0.06-0.14, which is comparable to that of meso-tetraphenylporphyrin (Fb-TPP) (0.11). In general, each oxochlorin examined has a Φ_(f) value that is approximately one-half to one-third that of the corresponding chlorin. Thus, the incorporation of the oxo functionality results in decreased emission efficiency. The lower fluorescence quantum yields of the oxochlorins do not diminish the utility of these pigments in light-harvesting systems. Indeed, ZnTPP and its derivatives have quite low fluorescence yields but are widely used to good effect in light-harvesting systems. The advantage of the oxochlorins versus porphyrins is the enhanced absorption in the red region of the spectrum.

EXAMPLE 4 Electrochemical Characterization of Oxochlorins

[0154] The oxidation potentials of selected compounds such as Zn-1a,b and Oxo-Zn-1a,b were determined according to the procedure reported earlier (Yang, S. I. et al., J. Porphyrins Phthalocyanines 1999, 3, 117-147). The E_(1/2) value for Zn-1a is 0.35 V whereas that for Oxo-Zn-1a is 0.59 V, which is comparable with the E_(1/2) of ZnTPP (0.51 V; Yang, S. I. et al., J. Porphyrins Phthalocyanines 1999, 3, 117-147). Similarly, the E_(1/2) value for Oxo-Zn-1b is 0.78 V, which is identical to that of zinc(II)-meso-tetrakis(2,6-difluorophenyl)porphyrin (0.78 V; Yang, S. I. et al., J. Porphyrins Phthalocyanines 1999, 3, 117-147). The E_(1/2) value of Zn-1b is 0.55 V which is only slightly lower than that of ZnTPP. These results clearly indicate that a single oxo group imparts essentially the same electron-withdrawing effect on the chlorin as achieved with two meso-pentafluorophenyl groups. This is easily explainable on the basis of the electron density distribution in the HOMO of the chlorin indicating small orbital coefficients at the meso positions (FIG. 2) (Balasubramanian, T. et al., J. Org. Chem. 2000, 65, 7919-7929). The ability to substantially alter the electrochemical potential of the chlorins by introduction of a single oxo group in the reduced ring enables the meso and β-positions to be employed for synthetic handles and solubilizing groups. Thus, our strategy to incorporate an oxo group in the reduced ring is superior to the incorporation of electron-withdrawing substituents at the meso positions of the chlorin macrocycle. Thus, the advantage of oxochlorins versus chlorins is the greater resistance of the former versus the latter to oxidation.

EXAMPLE 5 Synthesis of Chlorin-Chlorin and Oxochlorin-Oxochlorin Dyads

[0155] The chlorin and oxochlorin dyads (other than Zn₂-Oxo-dyad) were synthesized by the Pd-mediated coupling of iodo-substituted and ethyne-substituted chlorin and oxochlorin building blocks (Scheme 11) (Wagner, R. W. et al., Chem. Mater. 1999, 11, 2974-2983). The progress of the reaction was monitored by analytical SEC. Each purified product was characterized by analytical SEC, LD-MS, UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy (excluding Cu₂-dimers) and ¹H NMR spectroscopy.

[0156] The coupling reaction of zinc chlorin Zn-1d and free base chlorin Fb-1e with Pd₂(dba)₃ and P(o-tol)₃ in toluene/triethylamine (5:1) at 35° C. afforded ZnFb-dyad. The Pd-mediated coupling was quite effective, as ZnFb-dyad was formed in >70% yield (by analytical SEC). The isolated yield was somewhat low (23%), because of the difficulties encountered during purification of the dyad which proved to be relatively insoluble in a variety of organic solvents. A similar sequence of reactions was employed to prepare Zn₂-dyad, Cu₂-dyad, ZnFb-Oxo-dyad, and Cu₂-Oxo-dyad. Zn₂-Oxo-dyad was prepared by treating ZnFb-Oxo-dyad with Zn(OAc)₂ in CH₂Cl₂/methanol (10:1) at room temperature.

EXAMPLE 6 Spectral and Photochemical Properties of Dyads

[0157] The absorption spectrum of each building block and dyad was measured in toluene at room temperature. The Q band region of ZnFb-dyad shows absorption at 609 and 641 mn, which is essentially the sum of the transitions of the representative monomers, Zn-1d and Fb-1d (FIG. 3). Similar features are observed for ZnFb-Oxo-dyad, which absorbs at 610 and 643 nm (FIG. 4). The all-zinc species Zn₂-dyad and Zn₂-Oxo-dyad give insignificant change of spectra compared to those of monomers Zn-1d and Oxo-Zn-1d (FIG. 5 and FIG. 6). In the case of the all-Cu-species Cu₂-dyad and Cu₂-Oxo-dyad, the Soret band is slightly red-shifted (2 nm) compared to that of the respective monomer Cu-1d or Oxo-Cu-id, while the Q-band is identical in each case.

[0158] In the steady state fluorescence spectroscopy, excitation of ZnFb-dyad at 415 mn results in characteristic bands at 611, 641, 683 and 708 mn, while the monomers show emission bands as follows; Zn-1d, 610 and 667 nm; Fb-1d, 641, 683 and 707 nm (FIG. 7). The intensity of the 611 nm in ZnFb-dyad decreased considerably in contrast to that of monomer Zn-1d. This is also the case with ZnFb-Oxo-dyad (FIG. 8). These results show that the excited Zn-chlorin or Zn-oxochlorin transfers energy to the Fb-chlorin or Fb-oxochlorin in the ZnFb dyads. The fluorescence spectrum of Zn₂-dyad or Zn₂-Oxo-dyad was identical to that of the corresponding Zn-monomer Zn-1d or Oxo-Zn-1d, respectively.

EXAMPLE 7 Förster Calculations

[0159] The rate of through-space (TS) energy transfer for each of the dyads was calculated using the program PhotochemCAD (Du, H. et al., Photochem. Photobiol. 1998, 68, 141-142). The results are shown in Table 3. The ZnFb-dyad and ZnFb-Oxo-dyad systems exhibit values for the spectral overlap term (J) comparable to that of the porphyrins as illustrated for the corresponding 4,4′-diphenylethyne-linked ZnFb-dyad comprised of porphyrins, ZnFbU (Hsiao, J.-S. et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1996, 118, 11181-11193). However, the all-Zn-porphyrins exhibit a smaller J value (Zn₂U) while the Zn₂-chlorins and Zn₂-oxochlorins give J values that are roughly 10-times that for the ZnFb dyad case. Accordingly, the rate of TS energy transfer should be increased in the all-zinc arrays based on chlorins or oxochlorins but decreased in the all-zinc arrays based on porphyrins. TABLE 3^(a) Entry Donor Acceptor ξ_(Q(0,0)) ^(g) Φ_(f) ^(h) J (cm⁶mmol⁻¹) rel. J^(i) Φ_(TS) ^(j) 1^(b) Zn-1d Fb-1d 34 800 0.070 4.43 × 10 ⁻¹⁴ 1.4 90.7 2^(b) Zn-1d Zn-1d 46 900 0.070 2.66 × 10⁻¹³ 8.7 98.3 3^(b) Zn-Oxo-1d Fb-Oxo-1d 18 000 0.030 2.96 × 10⁻¹⁴ 0.97 73.5 4^(b) Zn-Oxo-1d Zn-Oxo-1d 54 000 0.030 3.05 × 10⁻¹³ 10. 96.6 5^(c,d) ZuU^(e) FbU^(f) 0.035 3.06 × 10⁻¹⁴ 1.0 77.0 6^(c) ZnU^(e) ZnU^(f) 0.035 5.54 × 10⁻¹⁵ 0.18 37.8

[0160] In the arrays composed of porphyrins joined via the meso positions, the observed rate of energy transfer stems from the sum of through-bond (TB) and through-space (TS) mechanisms (Hsiao, J.-S. et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1996, 118, 11181-11193). The dominant contributor in the porphyrins is the TB mechanism. The large contribution due to the TB mechanism is readily understandable based on consideration of the electron density in the frontier orbitals of the porphyrins. In particular, the porphyrin a_(2u) orbital (HOMO) has significant electron density at the meso position, the site of attachment of the linker. In the chlorin systems, however, the HOMO has relatively little electron density at the meso position. Accordingly, it is expected that the dominant contributor to the observed energy-transfer process should be the TS mechanism. While studies of ZnFb systems have served as the benchmark for assessing energy transfer, the all-Zn-containing arrays are more desirable in light-harvesting systems. The Forster efficiencies calculated for the chlorins and oxochlorins are extremely encouraging in this regard. Whereas the Zn-porphyrins have poor overlap and, thus, poor TS interactions, the chlorins and oxochlorins have strongly enhanced interactions in the all-Zn-containing systems. Indeed, the J value for transfer between Zn-chlorins or transfer between Zn-oxochlorins is 50-times that for transfer between Zn-porphyrins. Thus, in the chlorins and oxochlorins, the all-Zn-containing systems should afford rapid rates of energy transfer.

[0161] The foregoing examples are illustrative of the present invention, and are not to be construed as limiting thereof. The invention is described by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of making an oxochlorin, comprising the steps of: oxidizing a chlorin to produce a mixture of hydroxychlorin and oxochlorin; and then oxidizing said hydroxychlorin in said mixture with DDQ to produce a mixture consisting essentially of oxochlorin.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of oxidizing a chlorin is carried out by exposing said chlorin to alumina.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of oxidizing a chlorin is carried out in the presence of an oxidizing agent.
 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein said oxidizing agent is oxygen or air.
 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of oxidizing a chlorin is carried out at a temperature of from 0 to 100° C.
 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of oxidizing a chlorin is carried out in an aromatic organic solvent.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of oxidizing a chlorin is carried out in toluene.
 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of oxidizing said hydroxychlorin is carried out at a temperature of from 0 to 100° C.
 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of oxidizing said hydroxychlorin is carried out in an aromatic organic solvent.
 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of oxidizing said hydroxychlorin is carried out in toluene.
 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein said oxochlorin is a C-methylated chlorin.
 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein said chlorin is metalated.
 13. A method of making an oxochlorin, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a chlorin of Formula X:

wherein: M is a metal selected from the group consisting of Zn, Mg, Pt, Pd. Sn and Al, or M is absent; K¹, K², K³, and K⁴ are hetero atoms independently selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, Se, Te, and CH; S¹, S², S³, S⁴, S⁵, S⁶, S⁷, S⁸, S^(9, S) ¹⁰, S¹¹, S¹², S¹³, and S¹⁴ are independently selected from the group consisting of H, aryl, phenyl, alkyl, cycloalkyl, spiroalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, alkoxy, alkylthio, perfluoroalkyl, perfluoroaryl, pyridyl, cyano, thiocyanato, nitro, amino, alkylamino, acyl, sulfoxyl, sulfonyl, imido, amido, and carbamoyl; and optionally either S¹ and S⁵ are trans-substituted linking groups Q¹ and Q², S² and S⁶ are trans-substituted linking groups Q¹ and Q², S¹⁰ and S¹² are trans-substituted linking groups Q¹ and Q², or S⁹ and S¹¹ are trans-substituted linking groups Q¹ and Q²; and Q¹ and Q² are independently selected linking groups of the formula: R¹—R²_(n)R³—Y wherein: n is from 0 or 1 to 5 or 10; R³ may be present or absent; R¹, R², and R³ are each independently selected from the group consisting of ethene, ethyne, aryl, and heteroaryl groups, which aryl and heteroaryl groups may be unsubstituted or substituted one or more times with H, aryl, phenyl, cycloalkyl, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, alkoxy, alkylthio, perfluoroalkyl, perfluoroaryl, pyridyl, cyano, thiocyanato, nitro, amino, alkylamino, acyl, sulfoxyl, sulfonyl, imido, amido, and carbamoyl; Y is a protected or unprotected reactive substituent selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, thio, seleno, telluro, ester, carboxylic acid, boronic acid, phenol, silane, sulfonic acid, phosphonic acid, alkylthiol, formyl, halo, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, dialkyl phosphonate, alkyl sulfonate, alkyl carboxylate, acetylacetone, and dialkyl boronate groups; (b) oxidizing said chlorin to produce a mixture of hydroxychlorin and oxochlorin; and then (c) oxidizing said hydroxychlorin in said mixture with DDQ in toluene to produce a mixture consisting essentially of oxochlorin, said oxochlorin comprising a compound of Formula X where S⁷ and S¹³ are together=O.
 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein neither S⁸ nor S¹⁴ is H.
 15. The method according to claim 13, wherein S⁹ and S¹¹ are trans-substituted linking groups Q¹ and Q².
 16. The method according to claim 13, wherein S¹⁰ and S¹² are trans-substituted linking groups Q¹ and Q².
 17. The method according to claim 13, wherein M is present.
 18. The method according to claim 13, wherein M is Zn or Mg.
 19. The method according to claim 13, wherein M is absent.
 20. The method according to claim 13, wherein K₁, K², K³, and K⁴ are independently selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, and CH.
 21. The method according to claim 13, wherein K¹, K², K³, and K⁴ are all N.
 22. The method according to claim 13, wherein S⁴, S⁷, S⁸, S⁹, S¹⁰, S¹¹, S¹², S¹³, and S¹⁴ are all alkyl.
 23. A trans substituted oxochlorin compound of Formula X:

wherein: M is a metal selected from the group consisting of Zn, Mg, Pt, Pd. Sn and Al, or M is absent; K₁, K₂, K₃, and K⁴ are hetero atoms independently selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, Se, Te, and CH; S¹, S², S³, S⁴, S⁵, S⁶ , S⁸, S⁹, S¹⁰, S¹¹, S¹², and S¹⁴ are independently selected from the group consisting of H, aryl, phenyl, alkyl, cycloalkyl, spiroalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, alkoxy, alkylthio, perfluoroalkyl, perfluoroaryl, pyridyl, cyano, thiocyanato, nitro, amino, alkylamino, acyl, sulfoxyl, sulfonyl, imido, amido, and carbamoyl; wherein S⁷ and S¹³ are together=O; and either S¹ and S⁵ are trans-substituted linking groups Q¹ and Q², S¹⁰ and S¹² are trans-substituted linking groups Q¹ and Q², S⁹ and S¹¹ are trans-substituted linking groups Q¹ and Q², or S⁹ and S¹¹ are trans-substituted linking groups Q¹ and Q²; and Q¹ and Q² are independently selected linking groups of the formula: R¹—R²_(n)R³—Y wherein: n is from 0 or 1 to 5 or 10; R³ may be present or absent; R¹, R², and R³ are each independently selected from the group consisting of ethene, ethyne, aryl, and heteroaryl groups, which aryl and heteroaryl groups may be unsubstituted or substituted one or more times with H, aryl, phenyl, cycloalkyl, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, alkoxy, alkylthio, perfluoroalkyl, perfluoroaryl, pyridyl, cyano, thiocyanato, nitro, amino, alkylamino, acyl, sulfoxyl, sulfonyl, imido, amido, and carbamoyl; and Y is a protected or unprotected reactive substituent selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, thio, seleno, telluro, ester, carboxylic acid, boronic acid, phenol, silane, sulfonic acid, phosphonic acid, alkylthiol, formyl, halo, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, dialkyl phosphonate, alkyl sulfonate, alkyl carboxylate, acetylacetone, and dialkyl boronate groups.
 24. The compound according to claim 23, wherein S⁹ and S¹¹ are trans-substituted linking groups Q¹ and Q².
 25. The compound according to claim 23, wherein S¹⁰ and S¹² are trans-substituted linking groups Q¹ and Q².
 26. The compound according to claim 23, wherein neither S⁸ nor S¹⁴ is H.
 27. The compound according to claim 23, wherein M is present.
 28. The compound according to claim 23, wherein M is Zn or Mg.
 29. The compound according to claim 23, wherein M is absent.
 30. The compound according to claim 23, wherein K¹, K², K³, and K⁴ are independently selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, and CH.
 31. The compound according to claim 23, wherein K¹, K², K³, and K⁴ are all N.
 32. The compound according to claim 23, wherein S⁴, S⁷, S⁸, S⁹, S¹⁰, S¹¹, S¹², S¹³, and S¹⁴ are all alkyl. 